As early as the launching of the P4 and P5 ferry boats, serving the central part of the Vltava, the Mayor of Prague, Pavel Bém pointed out that the Modřany area is disadvantaged in comparison with other parts of Prague. There was neither bridge nor ferry operating in the area since operations had ceased in 1971. There used to be two more ferry boats in Modřany, one used to go from Belárie to Velká Chuchle and the other one from the cinema again to Velká Chuchle.
Great for cyclists
“It is a unique connection between the right and the left river banks in a place favourable for cycling,” said Zdeněk Bergman from the 1st Public Boat Company, which runs the ferry. On the right bank of the river, there is a cycle-path with a good surface for skating, but the cycle-path on the opposite bank leading from the area of Berounka to Radotín and in the direction of the city centre does not offer very good conditions. The possibility to cross the river to the right bank is a very pleasant change for cyclists,” said Zdeněk Bergman. “We will launch the ferry as a trial operation until 1st November. We will see if it becomes popular, although we know that it is a great asset for the whole area, which includes e.g. Černošce, Dobřichovice, Radotín and other areas and after all will also connect the right bank even with Karlštejn.”
Tariff and timetable
Tickets and timetables are similar to those in Podhoří, as well as the type of boat. It is a small covered motor boat that can also be seen in the city centre. The quay in Modřany is right beside the tram stop, bus stop and train station.
As for the timetable, it is the same as e.g. in Podhoří or Sedlec. “We operate every 20 minutes, but when there are people, the intervals are shortened depending on the number of passengers. For instance, in Podhoří on some summer weekends, the operation is practically constant, according to the individual passengers’ needs,” said Mr. Bergman.
In the same way as the other ferries, prams and bikes are transported free of charge, the Public Transport Pass is valid on the boat as well or passengers can get tickets for 26 crowns. The ferry is fully integrated into Prague Public Transport. The opening ceremony is on Friday 18th September in the morning and by the afternoon the ferry will start serving people. The ferry is accessible to people in wheelchairs. The new ferry boat connection is a present from the city to its inhabitants on the occasion of European Mobility Week and as a part of the Clean Prague campaign.