GVB expands ferry schedule: later into the evening and more frequent service from Pontsteiger to NDSM

Public transport operator GVB is expanding ferry services across Amsterdam to accommodate the city's growing population and rising demand from commuters. Starting September 1, the frequency of the Pontsteiger to NDSM ferry route will double, with boats departing every ten minutes on weekdays instead of every twenty. Additionally, the service between Pontsteiger and Distelweg will operate later into the evening, with the final departure scheduled for 23:15. The Oostveer route connecting Azartplein and Zamenhofstraat will also see increased frequency and extended operating hours to better serve passengers.

To facilitate these changes, GVB is deploying an additional, smaller ferry that requires more frequent trips due to its lower capacity. Despite ongoing labor shortages, the organization is utilizing hired staff to maintain the expanded schedule. Furthermore, GVB is already planning for future infrastructure changes, including potential vessel rentals to manage increased traffic during the scheduled maintenance closure of the IJtunnel in 2027, which is expected to significantly impact transport to the Noord district.