Morning Water Taxi Service For Commuters Approved In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The water taxi will become a permanent commuting option in the morning after an Alexandria City Council action Saturday. Council approved water taxi service as early as 6 a.m. Monday through Friday under the license agreement with Spirit Cruises, LLC.

The existing license agreement had specified that use of water taxis from Alexandria City Marina was not allowed until 9:30 a.m. to discourage use for commuting purposes. An exception for earlier service was allowed for special events.

The change came after the city found the water taxi served as an alternative during the summer 2019 Metro shutdown of Alexandria's stations. The city had waived the 9:30 a.m. restriction during the Metro shutdown.

City staff addressed concerns about parking impacts near the waterfront with the allowance of commuting on water taxis. A survey of water taxi commuters showed 85 percent walked or biked to Alexandria City Marina.

"Contrary to past concerns, staff received no reported parking complaints or crush capacity in garages as a result of allowing commuter taxi service," read a memo presented to City Council.

Councilmember Del Pepper said she had opposed commuter water taxi service but changed course after seeing how the earlier water taxi service went during the Metro shutdown.

"I hope that staff will be following this, and if this becomes a problem for the neighbors, then I want it brought back for our discussion," she said.

One resident, Amanda Rutherford, testified in support of the proposal. She told City Council she can use the commuter water taxi service to get to work in DC's Navy Yard.

Under the license agreement, Potomac Riverboat Company can provide water taxi service to the following destinations: Alexandria City Marina, National Harbor, the National Mall, Nationals Park, The Wharf DC, Georgetown, Audi Field and George Washington's Mount Vernon. Any additional service must be authorized by City Council.

The Potomac Riverboat Company is set to begin water taxi service for the season on March 1. A commuter pass will offer unlimited water taxi service from March 1 to Dec. 31 for $295. The company will release additional ticketing options and scheduling for 2020.