Water taxi from Montreal's east end to Old Port gets green light after trial run

A water taxi service from Montreal's east end and the Old Port will continue running for at least three years after a successful trial run.

The water taxi will begin in mid-May this year and run 23 weeks until mid-October, according to a call for offers published March 1.

The Crown corporation that manages ferry services within the province says the service provider must have shuttles capable of transporting about 100 passengers and 30 bicycles an hour.

During rush hour, the number of trips will double — once every 30 minutes, up from from once an hour last year.

On holidays, weekends and off-peak hours during the week, the water taxies will run every 60 minutes.

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante said she is happy with the pilot project so far. She says the city will continue to evaluate the water taxi service each year.

Anjou resident Yarith Chiv is looking forward to riding the water taxi.

"If safety is not a problem, speed is not a problem either, that is going to be it for me," said Chiv.

"I think it's a good idea. It's unique. I think it's good for everybody," said Pointe-aux-Trembles resident Claude Parisé.

Parisé said that since the dock isn't within walking distance from his home, he would continue taking the train downtown, but thinks it will be very convenient for other residents.

Chantal Rouleau, the provincial minister responsible for Montreal, said she was certain that the first full year of water taxi service would be successful. 

"When you go to work in a ferry, it's so relaxing, instead of being in the car on Notre-Dame Street," she said.

Last year, 4,604 riders took advantage of the pilot project over five days, between Pointe-aux-Trembles and Montreal's Old Port.

The trip takes about 22 minutes by boat, as opposed to about an hour by car during rush hour. 

It cost $3.25, the same cost as riding a city bus, to take the water taxi during the pilot project.