Miami Beach Launches Water Taxi Service to Miami

Miami Beach, FL – Starting Sunday, June 30, the City of Miami Beach and Poseidon Ferry will launch a new one-year water taxi pilot program to transport passengers between Miami Beach and Miami — aiming to ease traffic congestion between the two cities. The service will begin at the north side of Maurice Gibb Memorial Park (18 Street and Purdy Avenue, Miami Beach) and end at the Venetian Marina & Yacht Club (1635 N Bayshore Drive, Miami).

During the pilot program, the City of Miami Beach will subsidize approximately half of Poseidon Ferry's operations with a $600,000 financial contribution.

“The purpose of this cross-bay water taxi service is to provide commuters with a public transportation option to help decongest our roadways and help the city meet its long-term strategic goal of becoming less car-centric,” said Transportation and Mobility Director and Interim Parking Director José R. González. “Most successful waterborne public transportation services or commuter ferry services across the globe operate with some financial assistance from the government by way of subsidies.”

The city is also seeking federal and state grants for waterborne transportation to expand the program in the future.

“Our goal is to make your daily commute smoother by alleviating traffic congestion,” said Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner. “Long-term I envision a cost-effective water taxi service that will efficiently transport people not only to neighboring Miami but north and south throughout Miami Beach.”

Hours of Operation and Frequency of Service                                                                                                                

The water taxi will operate daily from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. except during the hours of 2-3 p.m. to accommodate a shift change. The vessel will depart from Maurice Gibb Memorial Park every hour on the half hour commencing at 7:30 a.m. and will depart the Venetian Marina & Yacht Club every hour on the hour starting at 8 a.m. The trip takes approximately 18 minutes each way.

To ensure accessibility for all passengers, both locations are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Fares

One-way fare prices are $5 for Miami Beach residents, $12 for non-residents, and $6 for seniors 65 years of age or older and disabled military personnel. Miami-Dade County Golden Passport holders and children 12 years old and younger will sail for free. There is a weekly commuter pass option for $30 (10 trips at $3 per trip) and a monthly commuter pass option for $120 (40 trips at $3 per trip).

Fares and passes can be purchased onboard the water taxi, at www.poseidonferry.com, on the Poseidon Ferry Mobile App or over the phone with a ticket agent by calling 844.623.3779 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. daily.

Miami Beach residents must show a valid I.D. to receive the resident rate. Resident fares will be waived during the first 30 days of operation through July 30.

Miami Beach residents can apply for a Golden Passport in person at the Miami Beach Customer Service Center at 1755 Meridian Ave, First Floor. Make an appointment online or call 305.673.7420.

Parking

Parking rates at the Sunset Harbour municipal parking garage will be reduced by 50 percent for all water taxi passengers. Residents will pay 50 cents per hour while non-residents will pay $1 per hour. Must show proof of water taxi fare upon exit to take advantage of the rate reduction.

For additional details, visit www.poseidonferry.com.

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