MIAMI — The most popular new ride in Miami Beach floats. The city's free water taxi carried more than 155,000 passengers from its January 20 launch through September, Miami Today reports, and ridership has exceeded expectations, with more than 1,000 passengers a day during peak season.
Mayor Steven Meiner said the city has received Florida Department of Transportation grant funding for fiscal 2027 and plans to contribute city funds toward operating costs. About $1.2 million was allocated for the service's initial operating period, split evenly between the city and the state transportation department, against an estimated annual operating cost of $1.45 million.
Demand is already pressing against capacity: according to a city memo, about 8 per cent of passengers have been unable to board because of strong demand and limited vessel capacity. The service connects Maurice Gibb Memorial Park in Miami Beach with the Venetian Marina and Yacht Club in Miami, an 18-minute crossing of Biscayne Bay.
The city has completed a preliminary feasibility study identifying potential dock locations throughout Miami Beach and across the bay, and a more detailed study of dock and seawall infrastructure is underway and expected within the next couple of months. Meiner said he is also pursuing additional state and federal funding, along with possible contributions from Miami-Dade County and private businesses, to support the expansion.
