New water taxi service introduced

Real Estate Weekly, August 21, 2002 by Douglas Durst

It's not always easy to get a taxi in New York, but it's about to get a little easier. In late September, Manhattan's transportation infrastructure will get a big, environmentally- friendly boost when water taxi service is introduced on the East and Hudson Rivets by New York Water Taxi.

Although it will carry commuters between lower Manhattan and downtown Brooklyn, the new service will be far more than a commuter line. As in Venice, where the famous "vaporetti" provide regularly scheduled service every few minutes, taking passengers all around the city, New York Water Taxi hopes to become an omnipresent factor on our city's waterways. "We welcome everyone, but the water taxi is designed primarily for New Yorkers," said Tom Fox, president of New York Water Taxi, when the first vessel recently arrived at the 34th Street East River terminal, straight from Derecktor Shipyards in nearby Mamaroneck. "New Yorkers who live, work and play on our re-emerging waterfront deserve a quick, convenient and fun way to travel."

The bright yellow vessels, with strips of black and white checks evoking the familiar Checker cab symbol, can accommodate up to 75 passengers comfortably. The boats are heated and air conditioned and have both extra wide aisles and a restroom that is accessible to riders with disabilities.

The electronic diesel engines meet year 2005 pollution standards and the hulls are specially designed and engineered to minimize wake damage.

The Durst Organization is a major investor in New York Water Taxi. Many people have asked me why a commercial real estate firm would make this kind of commitment, and what is the link to 9/11?

Tom and I were developing plans for the water taxi well before last September's tragedy. It seemed to make so much sense for New York, for so many reasons. A new service that helps move people around the city efficiently, in fresh air and sunlight, without contributing to pollution, is good for the economy, for the real estate market, and most of all, for New Yorkers. That we had a major project underway at 57th Street and 12th Avenue also crossed my mind.

In the aftermath of 9/11, with so much vehicular and rapid transportation out of service, it became clear how useful and underused our waterways are. Now, aboard the water taxi, swinging into New York Bay and circling lower Manhattan with the Statue of Liberty just off the bow, a familiar expression comes to mind: "Sometimes, you can't see the skyline for the buildings." (At least, that's what we say in my family.)

How true this is for us New Yorkers, hurrying through crowded canyons and unable to see the majesty of our city from a true perspective. I think, in addition to providing a pleasant form of transportation, the water taxi will help restore that perspective for anyone who hops aboard.