Improving the mobility value chain in the Drechtsteden

In response to the BLOC report ‘Status update river cruise sector Drechtseden/Waterdriehoek‘ (June 2021), over the coming months we will start working on one of the recommendations in this report, namely a feasibility study to improve the mobility value chain within the region. In doing this, we explicitly make the link between the most important tourist destinations, alternative mooring locations for the river cruise sector and passenger transport services across water.

Passenger transport over water

The river cruise sector is showing great potential and resilience. It is expected that the demand for river cruises in the Netherlands will pick up after the corona pandemic and surpass the peak year of 2019 within one or two years. But how do we facilitate this growth in such a way that the region reaps the (economic) benefits without the frequently-cited hindrances and, at the same time, bolster mobility (over water) in the region?

Passenger transport over water is not only an effective means of enhancing the appeal of an area or city, but it is also an efficient way of transferring visitors between destinations of interest. That also applies to river cruise passengers. The road network within the Drechtsteden is becoming increasingly congested. When it comes to combining destinations within the region, traditional transport by coach is no longer the most efficient or preferred option. Transportation by water is a great opportunity for river cruises within the Drechtsteden. Linking destinations helps to relieve congestion on the roads, increases the appeal of the region for passengers and often results in significant savings in time.

Opening up more quaysides

In order to make other quaysides attractive (and suitable for river cruise traffic) for more arrivals within the region and to link them to flexible and speedy passenger transport modes over water, we are going to explore whether an actual pilot route can be sailed in the summer of 2023. In cooperation with local POW providers (such as Waterbus and the smaller-scale water taxis) and a few selected river cruise operators, we are linking various ‘new’ port locations with ‘tourist’ destinations of interest.

This will not only increase the volume of river cruises within the Drechtsteden/Water Triangle over time but also develop new port locations with quayside and inland investments and strengthen the establishment of passenger transport over water and with it, mobility. An additional advantage is that this development will also reduce car traffic (consider the numerous coach trips to and from Kinderdijk) and consequently reduce CO2 emissions.

Concerned parties

The feasibility study that was conducted by BLOC was made possible by the ‘Stuurgroep Riviercruises Drechtsteden/Waterdriehoek,‘ (Steering Committee River Cruises Drechtsteden/Waterdriehoek) , which comprises the municipalities of Alblasserdam, Dordrecht and Zwijndrecht, as well as Blue Amigo (Waterbus), the world heritage site Kinderdijk, Dordrecht Marketing and the Economic Development Board. Needless to say, also in close cooperation with the river cruise sector and the Dutch Delta Cruise Port.

Interested? Contact Fred!