Amid financial uncertainties, the metropolitan 'Waterbus' has officially relaunched in the capital, albeit with reduced services and an uncertain schedule.
In 2013, the Waterbus was launched as a way to offer an alternative and more scenic form of transport to and from the Belgian capital. It functions as a transport line over the Senne canal connecting Brussels and Vilvoorde. A round trip takes around 2 hours and can take up to 90 passengers.
"The view from the ship offers unique panoramas of incompatible city scenes, impressive bridges, historical heritage and numerous new housing and office projects," promises a statement on the Waterbus website.
Thursday, 1 May, marks the start of the 2025 season. This will open with two exclusive 'discovery tours' taking passengers between Sainctelette and Vilvoorde, and Sainctelette to Halle.
The Waterbus route. Credit: Waterbus.
Although the service typically operates until October, financial setbacks caused by the delayed Brussels Government formation have made the length of this year's season uncertain.
"We don't know yet this year because we normally get subsidies from the Brussels Government," Waterbus marketing manager, Philippe Vangerven, told The Brussels Times.
For now, the service will operate for "as many days as possible," according to Vangerven.
Amid schedule uncertainties, Vangerven recommends interested passengers to book their trip in advance. This can be done online or by contacting Waterboat via email or phone. He further warns that "many bookings" have already been made, mainly by local schools.
A single trip on the 'bus' costs € 3.50 while a round trip is € 7.50. There is an additional € 1.00 fee for those who want to take a bicycle with them aboard the Waterbus, although there is a limit of 15 bicycles on board.
More information on the Waterbus trips can be found online.
