Clearwater City Council Considers New Water Taxi
Transportation around Pinellas County continues to be something that is always looking for new ideas. The latest takes a dip in the water for a possible solution.
The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority made a proposal to the Clearwater City Council. A “waterborne transportation system” was discussed, and impressed members of the Council. Cassandra Borchers, the PSTA Chief Development Officer, put forward the plan for the PSTA Water Ferry.
The plan involves improvements with current water systems for Clearwater, but the addition of cross-bay ferries and John’s Pass services are also being examined. Grants are being pursued, but it’s expected that local participation will be needed for this program to work.
The PSTA is looking at environmentally friendly boats, either hybrid or electric, for their fleet. The docks also will be built to handle the new program. They’d include boat boarding access, lighting, security and fare collection. Each would cost between $750,000 to $1,000,000 per dock, not including a waiting area, ATM’s and restrooms.
Capacities for the boats would be about 50-60 passengers plus bicycles. The boats will be ADA compliant. Boats are expected to cost between $4 and $5 million apiece.
Pinellas transit authority plans to launch ferry service in Clearwater https://t.co/qlHCFjj0j6 via @TBBJVeronica @RidePSTA pic.twitter.com/EPR30Y9VHf
— Tampa Bay Business Journal (@TBBJnewsroom) May 18, 2021
[Source: MyClearwater.com beginning at 9:45]
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