Water taxis coming to Tampa?
November 14, 2008 at 6:10 pm by Alex PickettBack 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?
January 2nd, 2009 at 6:40 am
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
WATER TAXI SERVICE FINNALY COMES TO TAMPA HARBOR.
Tampa, Florida (December 2009)-Tampa’s downtown has Water Taxi Service. After years of public requests to private operators and officials, Jasmine Yacht Charters and White Lighting Jet Boat Tours have made it happen.
Starting December 8, 2009, the first of three planned vessels “Never Never Land” will be plying the waters of Tampa’s inner harbor with the role of providing Water Taxi service to residents and visitors alike. From 8: am to 11 pm seven days a week, you can be picked up from most any waterfront spot in Tampa inner harbor. At the St. Pete Times Forum, Davis Island, Harbor Island, anywhere on the water even at private homes and deliver you to your favorite nightspot or hotel. Just call ahead for reservations or pick up. You could always just hail the captain for an immediate pickup.
In a commitment to enhancing, the Florida lifestyle for the office lunch crowd there is something new “Brown Baggers Break”. A relaxing 50-minute boat ride around Tampa Harbor while having your lunch with free soda or water provided for only $10, and your back in time for work. Departing at 12:05 and 1:05 Monday through Friday.
“Never Never Land” is a former US Navy personal craft refitted for her new role. With her deep blue hull and comfortable seating, this eco friendly vessel uses less than one gallon of fuel per hour while moving her rated capacity of 20 people at a time. Based out of the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel Located `at 200 North Ashley Drive on the Hillsbough River.
Jasmine Yacht Charters in association with White Lighting Jet Boat Tours are committed to developing the waterfront entertainment of Tampa by providing water based fun and services. White Lighting Jet Boat Tours operates a 37-passenger thrill boat experience that spins slides and “gets you wet” ride. The first and only ride of its type in Florida.
RESERVATIONS: 813-777-9900
WEB SITE: TAMPAWATERSHUTTLE.COM
WHITELIGHTINGJETBOATS.COM
CONTACT: Capt. Laurence Salkin
Jasmine Yacht Charters
John Barry
White Lighting Jet Boat Tours
200 N. Ashley Street
Tampa, FL. 33602
813-777-9900
February 10th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
I’d use it. If I wanted to make a full day of hopping across the water, this would be perfect.