Municipal shuttle service to Vidos still unresolved
CORFU. At the moment, the shuttle service to the small island is being operated by a private boat.
Currently, the shuttle service between Corfu and the islet of Vidos is only being being operated by a private boat and at specific times, at least for now, as the municipal service has not yet begun.
The municipality's efforts to repair the municipal boat Agios Stefanos have been unsuccessful, as was the tender for the lease of a vessel for the needs of transporting specific groups (scouts, campers etc.) and workers (municipal employees, fire safety, sanitation, etc.).
According to the responsible deputy mayor, Spyros Neratzis, the municipality intends to proceed by directly assigning the project for the repair of the municipal boat. However, as he pointed out, the fact that there are lawsuits against the municipality claiming 42,000 euros through the courts for work done in the previous year without a contract acts as a deterrent in the market.
Currently, the routes to and from Vidos are operated by a professional's boat, who has also taken on the transport of children participating in the Summer Creative Activities programme with another of his own vessels. According to Mr. Neratzis, the transportation of the children is being done with sponsorship, and the signing of a contract with the professional is expected.
Shuttle service schedule
The shuttle service to Vidos at this time starts at 10 a.m. from the old port and runs every hour. The last service departs from Vidos at 6 p.m. However, according to the professional operator, the routes will be extended until 8 p.m. (last boat from Vido) as the season progresses and demand increases, since currently, people leave the islet around 4 p.m. The fare is 3 euros for locals and 5 euros for visitors.
Restaurant closed
Residents and visitors need to bring necessary water and food with them for a visit to the islet, as the restaurant leased by Ikos Dassia is not open yet. According to Mr. Neratzis, due to the pending issue with the municipal transportation, there is an inability to transport staff and goods, and as a result, the venue is not operational.
MARIA BAZDRIYIANNI
Photo: Enimerosi archive
