The electric-powered Nice ship is back for another year of crossings! From Friday, July 10 to October 15, citizens and tourists will be able to use it again, free of charge as in previous years. Eric Ciotti and Dominique Ivaldi are the first passengers of the season.
With Covid-19, several activities have been canceled. This is not the case for the “Lou Passagin” shuttle, which offers a free crossing of a few minutes between Quai Lunel and Quai Entrecasteaux. This service is available 7 days a week, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with no breaks on the “Ratapignata.” This 7-meter pointu boat from the E.E.M.C.A. company is equipped with two electric motors and solar panels. Thus, a 100% ecological and silent ride awaits its future passengers.
Originally, it was a ship that provided a link between the West and East banks. It was piloted by a retired fisherman to supplement his income. Historically, Lou Passagin departed from the careening area and went to the Entrecasteaux stairs. In 2012, Eric Ciotti had the idea to bring this old tradition back to life. For eight years now, no fewer than 380,000 passengers have crossed the Lympia basin on this boat, which is about 430 passengers per day (for the year 2019). As every year since its launch, Eric Ciotti was present for the inauguration of the new season, accompanied by Dominique Ivaldi, an elected member of the CCI Nice Côte d’Azur delegated to ports.
“I had this idea because I wanted the people of Nice to reconnect with this local tradition. It also boosts the port a bit more, as the number of “Lou Passagin” passengers continues to increase. So it means people like it.”
Eric Ciotti, Deputy and Chairman of the Finance Commission of the Alpes-Maritimes Departmental Council
Due to Covid-19, an additional protocol is being implemented:
– Mandatory mask-wearing for both the pilot and passengers
– Observance of a 1-meter physical distance while waiting and onboard. As a result, only 4 people can be transported per crossing (instead of 5 in previous seasons)
– Provision of hydroalcoholic gel.
