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Lake Constance ferries in decline: minus 440,000 euros despite the season!
The Konstanz municipal utilities report losses in ferry operations and excursion boats. Price increases announced for April 2025.
Lake Constance ferries in decline: minus 440,000 euros despite the season!
Lake Constance has a lot to offer, but the ferry companies are currently fighting for their numbers. In recent months, Stadtwerke Konstanz has produced negative headlines that indicate a dramatic decline in passenger numbers. Loud SWR The Konstanz-Meersburg car ferry recorded a loss of around 440,000 euros last year. For comparison: In 2023, a profit of almost two million euros was achieved. The Bodensee-Schiffsbetriebe (BSB) also had to give up, with a loss of 145,000 euros instead of the originally targeted 1.1 million euro profit.
The numbers are alarming. In total, the ferries transported around 3.6 million passengers, around 300,000 fewer than in the previous year. In addition to the bad weather, which had an impact on the number of passengers, the decline is also attributed to the home office regulations and the Germany Ticket, which has become more popular. A bitter setback for a region that relies on tourism.
Price increase in response to the crisis
In order to counteract the financial losses, the municipal utilities have announced a price increase for the Konstanz-Meersburg ferry from April 1st. The increase affects pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles. The measures are necessary above all to ensure that the ships are maintained.
The ferry itself is an important link between Konstanz and Meersburg. It runs daily, around the clock. During the day the ferries run every quarter of an hour and offer up to six departures per hour in high season. Not only passengers, but also around 1.5 million cars are transported every year. The connection has existed since 1928 and is therefore an integral part of the regional infrastructure, reports Bodensee.de.
Environment and tradition
What is particularly pleasing is that the ferries are equipped with soot particle filters and filter over 900 kg of soot particles per year. These environmentally friendly measures were recognized by the BUND initiatives. The first fully electric ferries, which significantly reduce CO2 emissions and operate silently, launched in 2022. Such innovative approaches are becoming increasingly important to promote sustainable mobility in times of climate crisis Lake Constance portal emphasized.
The ferry connections are not only a pragmatic means of transport, but also an experience. The crossing offers a view of idyllic vineyards, orchards and the picturesque flower island of Mainau. They promote regional tourism and connect the charming towns and villages on Lake Constance with a dense network of ferry connections.
Although the numbers are currently not rosy, it remains to be hoped that those responsible will have a good hand in mastering the challenges of the next few months. Ultimately, the importance of ferry traffic for the region cannot be overestimated.