New Water Taxis will offer waterside residents and commuters a viable alternative to the old fashioned ferries and congested road transport. A water taxi service will offer an alternative that encourages people to get out of their cars, thus making an important contribution to the air quality.  The water taxi operation can also be a stimulus to tourism and economic development near its terminals.

 

The terminals and the vessels comprising the water taxi operation are vital elements to the success of the system. And need to be chosen correctly

 

Docking studies have revealed the important elements of the docking facilities and the vessel serving them, which includes their design features, capital costs, permitting processes, and possible funding resources. (These days sponsorship via advertising can play a big part of the funding of services)  

 

The terminals should be located so that one water taxi vessel can make a round trip in less than 30 minutes including terminal times. They should have close-to-the-boat loading and unloading zones. Walkway, gangway and float widths should be generous enough to handle the expected volumes of people. The route of travel from the drop-off zone to the boat needs to meet accessibility requirements. The site needs to be well lit and designed for the weathers that are expected.

Another important requirement of the service will be access to a backup boat on quick notice, in case of a mechanical breakdown or other problem with the primary vessel, in order to maintain the reliability of the service. With a public radio advisory or information service in place, close to year-around service should be achievable with a reliability rate of approximately 97%.