New navette allows Dieppe ferry arrivals to access train station
Shuttle bus is on trial until December but expected to continue into next year
People arriving in the town will see their journey to the station drastically shortened
Nigel Wiggins/Shutterstock
A new shuttle bus has been set up between Dieppe’s harbour and the train station, creating a smoother journey for those taking the ferry between the UK and France.
The bus service, which costs €1.40, has cut the journey – which could take more than an hour for people with heavy suitcases – to only a few minutes, and allows passengers disembarking to travel in comfort on their onward journey.
The bus will run three times per day during the week, and four times per day during the weekend, to coincide with the arrival of ships docking at the harbour.
“We have people who come without a car, who can come by bike or on foot, so we're making it easier for them to get around,” said Nicolas Langlois, Mayor of Dieppe.
“It's very important, there was a response in England on the other side, we had to strengthen that side, especially as we have a line that is developing, that is doing well… we have more and more pedestrians on that line. It had to be introduced before the summer,” he added.
In Newhaven – where ferry services departing Dieppe arrive – there are numerous buses, taking passengers directly to the local train station, nearby Brighton, or even to London.
Trial expected to be picked up
Currently, the shuttle bus is only scheduled to run until December, when the trial ends, and costs around €75,000.
However, with more than 300,000 people catching a ferry between Dieppe and the UK each year, it is likely the shuttle will be seen as useful for the economic infrastructure of the town.
A similar service used to be in existence, but was discontinued a number of years ago.
“We've been campaigning for it for years and years, and we've finally got [the shuttle],” said Pierre Marlin, president of the Cross-Channel line users’ association (président de l'association d'usagers de la ligne Transmanche).
“There are still a few teething problems, there's no sign yet, and at the moment the shuttle doesn't stop at the tourist office,” he added, but overall is happy with the renewal of the route.
Read more: Ferry travel UK to France: routes, prices and deals
