City Opens New Dock for Water Taxi

By City of Charleston

Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr and other officials cut the ribbon for the new water taxi dock at Waterfront Park at Vendue Range and Concord Streets. Located at the end of the ‘T’ shaped pier, the dock will provide access to water taxi services which travel from Charleston and Mt. Pleasant.

The dock, built by contractor Salmon Dredging Co. at a cost of $419,237, will be a location for a water taxi to tie up and pick up and drop off passengers. The dock is at the NE end of the pier at Waterfront Park with a gate which will lead to a gangway to the lower dock. The dock is 10’ by 50’ and is ADA accessible. There was a dock previously located near the Cruise Passenger Terminal for water taxi service but due to security concerns was removed.

The funds for the dock are from funds received from online travel companies. After going through a public solicitation process, a non-exclusive agreement with Charleston Water Taxi, LLC for use of the dock was approved at City Council meeting on September 24. Charleston Water Taxi also has a dock at the Charleston Maritime Center, Charleston Harbor Resort, Patriots Point, and Shem Creek.

Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. said “What a great alternative means of public transportation for our area. Our waterways have historically been used as a means for getting from one place to another. This transportation service will be valuable to the Market area, the SC Aquarium, Patriots Point, Ft. Sumter Museum and tours, and other downtown locations. This water taxi dock will offer residents and visitors unique transportation which doesn’t require a car to get around.”

NOTE: The dock will only be used for water taxi services. The public will not be allowed to tie up to the dock nor will fishing be allowed on the dock.