From 2014, the ferry has been an alternative to the inhabitants of Mazovia, enabling quick movement between the Piaseczno and Otwock poviats. It helps to avoid congested bridge crossings, such as national road No. 50 through Góra Kalwaria or the Southern Bridge in Warsaw. Many residents emphasize that thanks to the crossing they save time and fuel.
“I use the ferry very often because it shortens me travel time by at least 20 minutes,” says resident of Gass, cited by RMF FM. However, in recent months there has been a risk of its liquidation.
Low water level problems
The ferry operates from April to November, transporting passenger cars, vans, bikes, motorcycles and pedestrians. The one -way cruise takes only a few minutes and takes place in the hours when it has the greatest demand. However, in August this year, the owners had to stop running for two weeks due to gearbox failure. “The tug, which was supposed to support us, plowed the bottom of the Vistula to dig a ditch. This led to additional damage and costs,” said Jopowicz, describing the difficulties associated with low water levels.
Cyclists, tourists and residents also notice problems. One of the users of the crossing said that he had recently spent up to an hour and a half on the ferry when he got stuck in the sand. “I saw the crew trying to dig the ditch so that we could continue the cruise,” recalls the man.
Rescue in local governments
Jacek Jopowicz, co -owner of the unit, emphasizes that the maintenance of the ferry becomes too expensive for him. “I am 70 years old, I want to retire. I can't afford to add to this business,” he says, indicating that the ferry technical equipment remains in good condition, which would allow it to continue its operation. He suggests that local governments take over the crossing.
Representatives of Konstancin-Jeziorna, Karczew and Góra Kalwaria express interest in continuing the ferry, but as indicated in the RMF FM material, there are no specific actions in their plans. Key decisions may be made at the level of the Mazowieckie Voivodeship authorities.
According to Marta Milewska, spokeswoman for Marshal Adam Struzik, the office has already received a letter from Jopowicz with a proposal to take over the crossing. “Mazowiecki Provincial Roads and Real Estate Department analyze documents. Within two weeks the case will be presented to the voivodship board” – announced Milewska.
Jopowicz is concerned about the lack of response to his letter addressed in October last year. He emphasizes that his priority is that the ferry continues to perform his function, but the responsibility for its future is now resting with local authorities. For residents and tourists, the crossing remains not only a practical connection, but also an attraction of the region. Local government officials indicate that the behavior of the ferry may also be crucial in the context of crisis, such as a potential armed conflict.
