Ferry Ferchland-Grieben: New cooperation secures the future until 2031!

Ferry Ferchland-Grieben: New cooperation secures the future until 2031!

The future of the ferry between Ferchland and Grieben is now secured until December 31, 2031. On June 19, 2025, a new cooperation agreement was signed that aims to increase financial participation from all partners. This decision is particularly important because a rising deficit is forecast. So far, the local transport company Jerichower Land mbH (NJL) has received 15,000 euros annually from the districts, with Jerichow, Elbe-Parey, Tangerhütte and Tangermünde each providing 9,000 euros. However, the Jerichower Land district has increased its support to 30,000 euros, while the Stendal district decides annually on the subsidy requirement. This increase has already been confirmed for 2025.

What is particularly pleasing is the commitment of the other cooperation partners, whose donations will also be increased to 15,000 euros. Although the collaboration with the city of Tangermünde is still open - a final council decision is still pending - the city of Genthin is interested in participating. District Administrator Steffen Burchhardt discusses the project in his community and emphasizes the importance of the ferry for the connection between Altmark and Jerichower Land. District Administrator Patrick Puhlmann also emphasizes the deeper cooperation between the districts, which is very important for the region.

Economic measures

In order to further improve the economic efficiency of the ferry, a number of measures are being planned. Fares will be adjusted as early as April 2025, which is often met with incomprehension among passengers, but is usually accepted due to the lack of alternatives. Advertising measures, such as the installation of sponsor advertising boards on the ferry, should also contribute to generating additional income. The NJL also offers a daily overview of ferry operations on its own website, which creates more transparency and information for users.

As an additional measure, a signage concept was installed to improve the findability of the pier. The operation of the ferry itself has been managed by the NJL since May 2021, after the connection was discontinued in September 2020 for economic reasons. After extensive maintenance, the ferry has been in daily operation since August 2022 and provides the important connection between Jerichower Land and Stendal.

Regional cooperation and challenges

Given the tense financial situation of many transport companies, which is characterized by rising costs for personnel and infrastructure, this agreement is a small ray of hope. In Germany, many transport associations are seeing an increase in fares, which is often met with a lack of understanding among passengers. The results of an analysis of local public transport (ÖPNV) suggest that there is an urgent need for reform in the financing structure of public transport in order to secure the future of mobility and enable long-term planning. Future mobility shows that creative forms of financing such as a citizen ticket, development contributions or a local transport tax should be seriously considered.

All in all, the signing of this new cooperation agreement is a sign of hope and a good hand for the future of ferry operations in the region. It will be exciting to see how the cooperation between the districts develops and whether other cities will join the cooperation. For the region, this connection is more than just a means of transport - it is an essential part of regional identity and mobility.