Jaunted

Venice Starts Up Locals-Only Water Bus

1/22/2008 at 9:35 AM
Tags: Public Transportation, Europe Travel (all tags)

If you're anything like us, you've been to Venice, hopped on the vaporetto and then been crushed by a Canadian hauling a backpack the size of a Volkswagen. And while the average traveler can't do much about it besides complain, the Venetians have had enough. They're starting up their own private water bus for locals only.

As the population of the city continues to shrink, tourism continues to boom. And that means there just isn't enough room for everybody, says one woman:

Now that Carnival is starting, you can't move around anymore...We get packed like sardines, and then fights break out. That's if you manage to get on [a vaporetto].

Hard to say what would happen if you try to jump on the locals-only ferry. We'd guess a fine more severe than if you're simply caught with your shirt off.

Related Stories:
· Venice Opens a Water Bus for Residents [NYT]
· Topless Tourists in Venice Fined [Jaunted]
· Bare Chests Banned in Venice [Jaunted]
· Venice Travel coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: ezioman]