Navigarda’s 2000 Goals: Passenger Milestone and Water Transport Innovations

In 2000, the goal is to consolidate the achievements reached in 1999. The Navigarda, the company managing public transportation on Italy’s largest lake, has surpassed the 2 million passenger mark — a milestone that only a few years ago seemed unthinkable. “It’s the record of all records,” confirms engineer Marcello Coppola, who has been the company’s operations director for two years — achieved with about twenty boats ranging from large passenger ships accommodating 500 people to fast hydrofoils, lines to manageable catamarans. The latter, according to an ongoing project from several years ago, will gradually replace the hydrofoils, which are destined to disappear from the lake. The company has strengthened its fleet with the arrival of two new ships: Virgilio and Mincio.

Goals and innovations for 2000

“The year 2000,” continues the operations director, “must be the year of consolidating the results achieved, starting with passenger numbers. However, there are also notable innovations this time, with significant implications for the territory. For example, I am referring to the upcoming inauguration of the ferry ramp at Limone sul Garda. This structure will allow cars and buses to be boarded onto our ships, ending the town’s isolation. Limone is connected to Riva del Garda only via the Gardesana state road, which has caused quite a few problems for the area’s tourism sector.”

The landslide that occurred in February, as is recalled, caused endless issues, effectively isolating Limone. With the ferry service, and thus the ability to carry cars and vehicles along with passengers, Limone will no longer face this isolation risk. Moreover, Navigarda has reorganized the schedules of the long-distance lines so that departures from Desenzano, Peschiera, and Riva will also include Limone. The same arrangement will be made for the ferry from Torri del Benaco to Limone.”

The role of water transport means

Ferries are beginning to be considered as true means of transportation for people.