Water Taxis in Tampa’s Future?

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 in the near future.

As Times correspondent Alan Snel reports, developer Darren Booth wants to create a water taxi service based out of his Heights project on the city's riverfront. The water taxi, which would cost $5, would ferry passengers to venues in downtown Tampa.

All in all, it looks like a good plan. But only if people use it.

So, my question is this: If Booth initiates this 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 Jul 2-8, 2008.