Miami Beach’s free water taxi carried more than 155,000 passengers from its January launch through September, and the city has secured another state transportation grant as it looks for more money to expand the service.
Mayor Steven Meiner said ridership has exceeded expectations, with more than 1,000 passengers a day during peak season. A city memo said about 8% of would-be riders could not board because of strong demand and limited vessel capacity.
The service, which began Jan. 20, links Maurice Gibb Memorial Park in Miami Beach with Venetian Marina and Yacht Club in Miami. The crossing takes about 18 minutes. Weekday service runs from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., according to city figures, and more than 99% of scheduled trips were completed through August.
Meiner said the Florida Department of Transportation has committed grant money for fiscal year 2027, and the city plans to contribute its own funds toward operating costs. The estimated annual operating cost is $1.45 million. He is also pursuing state and federal money, along with possible help from Miami-Dade County and private businesses.
A preliminary feasibility study has identified potential dock sites in Miami Beach and across Biscayne Bay. A more detailed study of dock and seawall infrastructure is expected within a couple of months. Possible expansion areas include South of Fifth, North Beach and links to Bayside Marketplace and Mount Sinai Medical Center. Planning estimates put each new floating dock at $300,000 to $500,000, and an added vessel at about $1 million a year.
Meiner said he would prefer to keep the service free but would consider a small fare if it improved efficiency. The city has not announced a timeline for new routes, docks or vessels.
