Water Taxi Going in at Charleston Waterfront Park

During the week of September 25, 2013, a new water taxi dock will become available to the public from the 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.

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 post 2001 security concerns, it had to be 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 is on the September 10th agenda for City Council with second and third readings on September 24th. Charleston Water Taxi also has a dock at the Charleston Maritime Center, Charleston Harbor Resort, Patriots Point, and Shem Creek.

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.

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.”