The number of trips has increased year by year. Last summer there were more than 60,000 passengers.
The water bus service between Turku and Ruissalo will continue to be operated by Explore Saimaa Oy.
The public transport board of the Turku urban region concluded a new contract with the operator covering the years 2023–2030. The contract also includes a two-year option.
The price is just under 250,000 euros per year. It was the cheapest offer. The amount is 16 percent higher than the current price. Five operators participated in the tender competition.
Turku region’s public transport, or Föl’s water bus service, between Aurajoki and Ruissalo and Hirvensalo’s Pikisaari started in 2017. Since 2018, the service has been handled by two vessels, m/s Ruissalo and m/s Jaarli.
The number of trips has increased year by year. Last summer there were more than 60,000 passengers.
M/s Jaarli will continue operating on the route in the coming years. M/s Ruissalo’s situation will be clarified later.