Waterbus tops Dutch public transport rankings with record 8.8 passenger rating
Passengers have crowned the Waterbus as the best public transport in the Netherlands, scoring an impressive 8.8 out of 10. With punctuality, speed, and friendly staff, this water-based service in Rotterdam and Drechtsteden is setting new standards for comfort and reliability—especially amid road disruptions.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Highest Rating | 8.8 (out of 10) – highest in the Netherlands |
| Operating Regions | Rotterdam, Drechtsteden |
| Top Praise | Punctuality, speed, customer-friendly staff |
| Regional Train Highlight | Alphen-Gouda line scores 7.9 (best regional train service) |
| Bus Service Ratings | North South Holland: 7.7, Drechtsteden-Molenlanden-Gorinchem: 7.8 |
| Kilometre Fare | Lowest average in the Netherlands |
| Provincial Executive | Jeroen van Dijken (traffic and transport) |
| Operator | Aqualiner (Director: Johan de Haas) |
The Province of South Holland oversees public transport infrastructure and policy within its jurisdiction, ensuring accessible and high-quality services for residents. As a governing body, it funds, regulates, and collaborates with operators like Aqualiner to enhance regional connectivity and passenger satisfaction.
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Read the full translated article below
Waterbus has the highest-rated public transport in the Netherlands
The Waterbus receives the highest rating from passengers of all public transport in the Netherlands. Other public transport in South Holland also scores highly.
In the 2025 Public Transport Customer Barometer, passengers give the Waterbus an average score of 8.8—the highest rating of all public transport in the Netherlands. Passengers praise the Waterbus for its punctuality and speed. They are also highly satisfied with the customer-friendly staff. The Waterbus operates in Rotterdam and the Drechtsteden region and has had two public transport water lines since October 2025.
Fully agree
“I am naturally very pleased that passengers rate the Waterbus so highly. As the provincial government, we fully agree with them,” says provincial executive Jeroen van Dijken (traffic and transport). “That’s why we worked hard last year to successfully ensure the Waterbus would continue operating.”
Johan de Haas, director of Aqualiner and operator of the Waterbus, is also pleased with the rating: “What a fantastic and well-deserved compliment for our crews. Every day, they transport passengers with pleasure and in comfort to their destinations. This underscores the added value of passenger transport by water, especially in the coming period with significant road disruptions.”
Best regional train service
The Alphen-Gouda train service scores a 7.9—no other regional train service performs better. Passengers also appreciate the friendly staff and punctual trains.
The bus services in North South Holland (around Leiden and Alphen aan den Rijn) score 7.7. The other two regions under the province’s jurisdiction both score 7.8. These are Drechtsteden-Molenlanden-Gorinchem and Hoeksche Waard/Goeree-Overflakkee.
More buses on the road
South Holland is heavily investing in attractive and accessible public transport. The province is adding more buses to the roads and improving quality, for example by making the busiest connections faster and more comfortable. Additionally, the bus services in South Holland have the lowest average kilometre fare in the Netherlands.