Jadrolinija's summer schedule will come into effect earlier than usual and remain so until the end of October
Split-Dalmatia County is currently negotiating with the shipping company Jadrolinija with a goal to introduce new shipping lines that would connect the mainland with the islands of central Dalmatia. The initiative was first launched by the island residents, primarily those living in the towns of Supetar and Milna on Brač island, but also the locals from Šolta and Vis. The first results of negotiations might take shape as early as at the beginning of the upcoming tourist season, writes Morski on April 23, 2018.
Aiming to establish better connections between the islands, Split-Dalmatia County has so far held seveal meetings with Jadrolinija's management. The County has also appointed a coordinator to negotiate with the national shipping company and the Coastal Liner Services Agency. The appointee Stipe Čogelja, otherwise the head of the Administrative Department for Tourism and Maritime Affairs, announced that Jadrolinija will be implementing two pilot projects this summer.
The first piece of news is related to the sailing schedule. This year, Jadrolinija's summer schedule will come in effect earlier than usual, in May, and the company's ships will adhere to the seasonal schedule until the end of October. The decision is a result of an appeal sent to the competent authorities by the island residents, aiming to prolong the tourist season. Ticket prices shouldn't be considerably affected.
Seeing that Milna Municipality's accounts are currently blocked, the finances might present a problem in the context of negotiations that are meant to result in new connections of the island town with the mainland. However, Čogelja stated the County has already found a way to resolve this particular situation.
The other proposal has to do with a request sent to Jadrolinija, demanding for its ferry ticket prices to be lowered for bicycles transfered from the mainland to any given island. This initiative aims to support the development of cyclotourism on the islands of central Dalmatia.
Starting from this season, the island towns should be connected with the mainland either with new ships or renovated old ones.
