rssOct 11, 2026, 16:00

Last day for Ome Piet ferry as hopes for a successor fade

Skippers Martin Brekelmans and Erik Hoogenboom have ended their sixteen-year tenure operating the Ome Piet ferry between Badhoevedorp and the Amsterdamse Bos. Despite the route's popularity, the duo has retired without finding a successor to take over the service.

After sixteen years of service, skippers Martin Brekelmans and Erik Hoogenboom have completed their final journey on the Ome Piet ferry. The service, which transported passengers across the Ringvaart between Badhoevedorp and the Amsterdamse Bos, was established in 2009 to honor a historic ferryman from the 1950s. Despite the joy the route brought to the community, the two men have decided to retire, with Brekelmans approaching his eightieth birthday.

Local residents have expressed their gratitude for the service, noting that the ferry saved them significant travel time. Although the skippers hope for a successor to step forward, no volunteers have been found, and the local municipality has yet to commit to taking over the operation. Without a replacement, commuters and visitors will now face a longer trip around the water. While the municipal government has offered to host a meeting to find potential new operators, the future of the connection remains uncertain as the ferry service comes to a close.

Culture Lifestyle Netherlands

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Based on reporting by rss. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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