If you've ever attempted to commute into downtown Toronto during rush hour, you know the struggle. But, considering the fact that Toronto is a waterfront city, many people are starting to wonder why other modes of commuter transportation haven't been introduced yet. A private water taxi company announced this week that it hopes to launch a service that would transport commuters from Etobicoke into downtown Toronto by boat, and many people are already on board. Many people hope that this Etobicoke-Toronto water taxi idea will lead to new transportation options for commuters. The water taxi company, called Otter Guy, has recently come up with a proposal to launch a catamaran that will take 200 people from Humber Bay Shores in Etobicoke into downtown during rush hour. They propose to charge each customer $10 for the 30-minute trip that will never be delayed by rush hour traffic. Passengers would have access to all the amenities they could ask for during their commute, including Wi-Fi, air conditioning and bathrooms. They would be dropped off right at the base of Yonge Street. While the proposal hasn't been made official yet, it has gotten a lot of people talking about how much water taxis would be a benefit to the city. Many believe that implementing a water taxi service would be a great use of the body of water that our city was built upon. While others also agree that this proposal should be expanded into other areas in Ontario, such as Niagra to Toronto or Scarborough Bluffs to Toronto. There should be a major Ferry services from Niagara all the way round to Kingston...a dozen ferry routes in Hong Kong move millions daily— Ethical Guru (@Sourcing_Guru) May 21, 2019 There should be another from Scarborough Bluffs Park too! Make use of the fact Toronto is a waterfront city.— WidowsPique (@lmbartlettpear) May 20, 2019 Do it! Do it!— Kristine Pettit (@MrsVonDoom) May 20, 2019 Thats a great idea, why not? Makes sense for commuters and those travelling daily through rush hour traffic. Balance on transportation is key and environmentally smart. I'm totally in favor of the idea!— Barbara (@sexytothecore69) May 21, 2019 Brilliant!— Liz Colley (@LizColley56) May 20, 2019 Always wonder why no ferry service to Niagara Falls. Cheapest way to travel— Just Do It✨ (@Themapster1) May 22, 2019 I live in the neighbourhood and this is a great idea. The 501 Queen line and GO from Mimico are packed already with no relief coming and more huge condos nearing completion soon. This could get going fast with nothing to build. https://t.co/djvkZBIaBZ— Daryl Angier (@DJAngier) May 21, 2019 View this post on Instagram Lovely day on the island, tho next time I'll take this water taxi over, instead of the very long line up for the ferry! #torontowatertaxi #torontoislands A post shared by @ acanthus57 on Jul 12, 2014 at 2:21pm PDT While many are clearly on board with the idea, there are a few limitations that private companies need to face before they can implement the service. According to CBC News, for any private company to conduct a water taxi service, they need two main things from the city - approval to dock and a long-term lease. However, gaining these two approvals from the city is possible to achieve. Plus, several of these companies already exist. Some water taxi companies have already set up shop at the Harbourfront Centre, and they mainly provide transport from Toronto's Harbourfront to the Toronto Islands. Yet, none of these services have capitalized on commuter transportation services yet. For example, Tiki Taxi is a water taxi company that allows users to get to the Toronto Islands. Toronto Harbour Water Taxi also focuses on transportation to Billy Bishop Island Airport and Artscape Gibraltar Point.
