Implementation plan Waterbus Stop System

BLOC, together with many stakeholders, provided a strong, guiding approach for the further development of the Waterbus stops in the Drechtsteden region. In this dynamic region with almost 300,000 inhabitants, this vision of stops and the associated transport system of passenger transport by water contributes to the connecting area vision of the EDBD. Integrating the significance of living, working and recreation by the water, this vision highlights the crucial importance of smart water-related mobility, especially given the increasing traffic density and the many maintenance works on highways, bridges and tunnels. In this regard, the deployment of waterbus cannot do without an effective stop infrastructure. This approach, which positions Waterbus stops as essential links in the region, promises not only efficiency in transport but also a boost to regional development and growth.

The role of a water network in a dynamic region

The region faces the challenge of managing the increasing popularity and dynamics within the area in the coming years. The integration of waterfront living, working and recreation is an important prerequisite for this. Adding smart mobility, precisely by using the water, is essential within this. Especially given the increasing pressure on existing infrastructure and the prospect of many road and rail works, passenger transport by water, and thus the Waterbus, is crucial. This calls for a connective and competitive system.

The Waterbus stops play an important role in this, as they are after all the Waterbus’ calling card, and should therefore increase the attractiveness and added value of this mode of travel. Thereby, the stop connects the municipality or city with the region but also has a function for the immediate surroundings.

Waterbus stops as an opportunity for growth and development of the area

BLOC used various aspects to look at the function of the individual stop, what it adds to its immediate surroundings and its role within the wider region. Thus, we identified different types of stops with their own dynamics. We then incorporated the vision and analysis into an implementation plan. This shows what each stop must comply with, including very pragmatic functions such as recognisability, information content, connection with public transport and, for example, the presence of a bicycle shed.

Investing in improving the Waterbus system and its stops results in a positive impact on the area and hinterland of the stop. For the region, it contributes to interconnectivity. For instance, commuter traffic will further relieve the pressure on the Drechtsteden’s roads and reduce CO2 emissions. In addition, certainly by increasing the frequency of the Waterbus, Rotterdam can be better connected to the Drechtsteden, making it easy for tourists and recreants, as well as schoolchildren and students, to quickly travel back and forth by water. Following on from this, a well-functioning Waterbus system will also reduce traffic pressure on the area around the popular UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk. This will be achieved, among other things, by enabling more tourists and day trippers from (in particular) Rotterdam and Dordrecht to get to Kinderdijk by public transport, but also by making the Chain Mobility project easier and more streamlined, in which river cruise ships can transport their passengers from surrounding quays to Kinderdijk with a specially reserved Waterbus.

Here, a well-functioning stop within a clear and efficient connecting stop system is crucial.