Tariffing of the Bergsche Maasveren a fact
Drongelen, Monday February 5, 2024
Hans Tanis, councilor of the municipality of Altena and chairman of the supervisory board of the Foundation: Stichting De Bergsche Maasveren, made a paid crossing over the Bergsche Maas for the first time this morning with the ferry Drongelen – Waalwijk (Drongelense Veer). This makes charging of the Bergsche Maasveren a fact. ‘Tariffing was inevitable. It is a decision that is supported by all four municipalities involved,” says Tanis. Since 2008, the foundation has been struggling with significantly lower market interest rates, which has caused a structural decline in returns from equity.
From now on, a number of users of the ferry Drongelen – Waalwijk (Drongelense Veer), the the ferry Bern – Herpt (Bernse veer) and the ferry Dussen – Sprang-Capelle (Capelse Veer) must pay for a crossing. This puts an end to the era when crossings were free for everyone. The obligation to pay applies, among others, to motorists, motorcyclists and freight traffic. The ferries remain free for pedestrians, cyclists, mopeds and agricultural traffic. According to Mathé Holleman, chairman of the board of Foundation: Stichting De Bergsche Maasveren, pricing is essential for continuity. “This step ensures that the future of ferry services is guaranteed.”
Drivers of cars and motorcycles will pay 2.70 euros per crossing. Drivers of vans and commercial vehicles pay 3.50 euros. Payments will be made via an app as much as possible. A credit balance can be used on that app, with which users receive a discount of 25 percent. Users who do not have a smartphone or do not wish to use the app can purchase a credit card. Residents of Altena can opt for special subscriptions thanks to an additional financial contribution from the municipality. Tanis: ‘I would like to point out these arrangements to frequent users and residents of the municipality of Altena.’ Occasional users, for example tourists, can also pay via the app or with a bank card.
Holleman is happy with the innovative payment options. ‘During the introduction, we paid a lot of attention to the customer-friendliness of the system.’ Checking payments is also automated thanks to cameras on board the ferries. Holleman: ‘Skippers can therefore continue to concentrate on their core task: transferring passengers safely.’ The three ferry connections across the Bergsche Maas sail daily and transfer around one and a half million road users every year. “The springs are therefore of great importance to many of the residents in our region,” concludes Tanis.