Struggling City Clings to Hope for Rhine Ferry Revival
The traditional Rhine ferry connection in Meerbusch, Germany, faces an uncertain future, but local authorities are taking action to secure its long-term operation. City leaders from Meerbusch and Düsseldorf are actively engaging in discussions, with a focus on collaborating with the Rheinbahn – the local transit operator – to preserve the ferry service.
The intention to collaborate was expressed by Meerbusch's Mayor, Christian Bommers, who aims to work closely with Düsseldorf's mayor to maintain the ferry. This cooperation is aimed at integrating the ferry more effectively into the regional public transport network or finding sustainable operational solutions.
While a detailed final plan has yet to be announced, the engagement of local government leaders indicates a serious commitment to finding a solution. The impending closure of the Rhine ferry, initially reported on Tuesday, has prompted this urgent response.
The Rhine ferry, historically significant and crucial for transporting commuters and students, was reported to potentially close on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, due to a shortage of staff and waning interest in the ferry. In response, Meerbusch's Mayor Christian Bommers and Keller have asked the Rhine Tram to examine the operation of the Rhine ferry.
For more information about the Rhine ferry operators, KD Shipping, and their operations, visit their homepage here. Similarly, the homepage of KD Shipping can be found here.
The city remains actively seeking a solution to prevent the closure of the Rhine ferry, and the goal is to secure the traditional Rhine ferry connection for the long term. The fight to save this important transport link is far from over, and updates on the collaboration between the cities and the Rhine Tram will be closely watched.
The collaboration between Meerbusch and Düsseldorf's city leaders, involving the Rheinbahn, aims to integrate the Rhine ferry more effectively into the local public transport industry, or devise sustainable finance solutions to secure its long-term operation. Projected closures in the transportation sector, such as the Rhine ferry, could impact finance, public-transit, and transportation systems significantly.
