The border residents were impatiently awaiting it. Since mid-December, but a year late, the Naviexpress connects Evian-les-Bains, in France, to Lausanne. A second boat could come into operation this year.
This new boat of the Compagnie Générale de Navigation sur le Lac Léman (CGN) can transport 700 people per crossing with peak speeds of 33 km/h. Now, it only takes commuters a few minutes to board.
The Naviexpress is already very popular with customers, as noted by the RTS on board. At the start of the year, they discovered a brand new interior. “The seats are more comfortable, we sit well,” rejoices a user interviewed on Tuesday in the 12:45 p.m. Another believes she has “more room in first class”.
Hybrid boat
The boat named Evian-les-Bains has 600 seats and 100 standing places, a lounge area and larger spaces. It works with thermal and electric motors, which is a novelty. This hybrid boat therefore requires more control.
>> Read also: CGN will launch its first hybrid boat next summer
We need to put in place “other habits”, testifies Alex Bauval, first captain at the CGN. Certain points required “more specific training”, he continues.
Train the crew
For the moment, the Naviexpress makes three rotations per day. But we still need to improve the maneuverability of the boat in times of strong winds and during big waves.
The CGN will also continue to train the crew from next spring to be able to increase the frequency of crossings, as indicated by CGN director Pierre Imhof.
A new rotation will connect Lausanne-Ouchy to Thonon-les-Bains from January 7. A second boat could come into operation this year.
TV subject: Laurent Chobaz and Manon Touati
Adaptation web: Julie Liardet
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