Miami Beach has officially launched a free water taxi service to provide residents with additional transportation options. According to the City of Miami Beach, the program began today, with a ceremony at the Maurice Gibb Memorial Park dock. Mayor Steven Meiner described the service as an important part of the city’s transit network.
The water taxi service uses 40-foot vessels to transport commuters between Purdy Avenue in Sunset Harbour and North Bayshore Drive in Miami. Trips run every 60 minutes on weekdays, increasing to every 30 minutes during peak evening hours from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., NBC Miami reports. Officials have not announced if or when weekend service will be available.
The water taxi service is designed to complement Miami Beach’s existing transit network, including free trolleys and on-demand options. The 20-minute trip across Biscayne Bay provides commuters with an alternative to road traffic and connects to other transportation options at the docks.
The water taxi service also accommodates bicycles and scooters, space permitting and at the captain’s discretion. CitiBike stations are available at the docks to support riders transitioning to land-based transportation. This integration of multiple transit options aims to improve mobility across the bay and provide a cost-free, efficient commuting alternative.
