Kilometer-Long Queues at Ferry to Smiltynė; Drivers Fume

The ferry crossing to Smiltynė has become a symbol of logistical chaos this weekend, with reports of kilometer-long queues stretching back from the terminal. Social media platforms are ablaze with the frustration of drivers caught in the gridlock, with one user on the 'Mūsų Neringa' Facebook group personally thanking the 'best management' of the Smiltynė ferry company for creating 'enormous queues.'

This situation, occurring even before the peak summer season, highlights a recurring failure to adequately prepare for predictable surges in visitor numbers. While the weather has undoubtedly drawn many to the coast, the sheer scale of the congestion – reportedly reaching 2 kilometers beyond the roundabout – suggests a systemic issue with traffic flow management. It's a stark reminder that even with ample warning and repeated discussions, the infrastructure and operational planning seem perpetually caught off guard.

This is particularly galling for locals and visitors alike, who are experiencing these delays despite the tourism season not yet being in full swing. The sunny weather has brought a welcome buzz to the region, with Vilnius also experiencing a Sunday bustle, but the ferry bottleneck is overshadowing the enjoyment for many. The expectation is that if this is the situation now, the upcoming weekends will be even more challenging, raising serious questions about the efficiency and preparedness of the Smiltynė ferry service.

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I want to personally thank the best management of the Smiltynė ferry company for creating enormous queues at the ferry all weekend. Summer probably caught them by surprise, although it has been written and said many times, and they failed to prepare. It's not even the peak yet, and today we already have 2km beyond the roundabout. It's still a long way to the more serious weekends, and they are already managing the flows perfectly.