The City of Sarasota is moving forward with plans that could eventually bring water taxi service to the city’s waterfront, with officials hoping the system will provide another transportation option and help reduce travel times between downtown and nearby destinations.
City planners are proposing pickup and drop-off locations at O’Leary’s dock next to Bayfront Park, which is currently under construction, and at a new dock planned for Ken Thompson Park. Those locations were identified through an earlier study that evaluated navigable waterways, water depth, and potential routes.
Before service can begin, the city must complete additional planning. A new study will examine how passengers would travel from the docks to destinations such as St. Armands Circle, Lido Beach, and the Town of Longboat Key. The study will also evaluate parking needs and compare travel times with trips across the Ringling Bridge.
The city recently completed an initial environmental study that examined potential ecological impacts. According to city officials, the proposed dock locations experience low-to-moderate manatee activity and are already used by recreational boat traffic.
Officials expect the next phase to focus on permitting, final design and securing funding for the dock infrastructure. The city estimates that acquiring funding and constructing the docks will take about five years.
Although planning is underway, residents are unlikely to see water taxi service until sometime in the 2030s. City officials say building the necessary infrastructure is the current priority before launching any transit operations.
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