Back in May, I looked at water taxis/ferries as a mode of public transit for Tampa Bay. It’s an innovative idea that has been resurrected many times locally, but always fell flat to finances or bureaucracy.
Well, we just might see one (or two) in the near future.
Most recently, Tampa resident Cliff Conatser is resurrecting the water taxi idea. Conastser is the former captain of the Tampa Town Ferry, which operated on the Hillsborough River in the early 90s. As TBO.com reports, he's already outfitting a boat capable of moving 49 passengers between the Tampa Convention Center, Channelside, Harbour Island and Tampa Heights.
It would cost $5 roundtrip.
That's fairly similar to developer Darren Booth's water taxi idea unveiled in July.
Both look like a good plans. But only if people use it.
So, my question is this: If these entrepreneurs initiate their water taxi to service places like the Tampa Convention Center, St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center and Channelside, would you use it? Is $5 a good deal for not having to worry about parking at each venue?
This article appears in Nov 12-18, 2008.
