Water taxi to fill gap of ferry cuts?

Dennis Owen told the Bermuda Sun he wants to use his 70ft catamaran, Ubervida, left, to transport tourists between the west end and the capital after the ferries stop running.

But he needs financial backing to fund the project. The move could fill the gap left by significant reductions to the timetable by Government.

The cutbacks mean the last Dockyard-bound ferry will leave Hamilton at 8:30pm instead of 10pm, as it did last year.

Francis Richardson, head of Marine and Ports, said last night he would encourage entrepreneurs to get involved.

Mr Owen said: “The original idea was to provide a water lounger/water taxi service between Hamilton and Dockyard.

“It would help cruise passengers get from their ship to town so they can go for a meal or simply take in what Hamilton has to offer.

“It’s not really a fast ferry — the journey would take about 40 minutes.

“But it would give people a chance to relax, have a drink and stay in town after the last ferry leaves, which is now much earlier.”

Mr Owen salvaged Ubervida after she had been wrecked off St Maarten in 1995. He brought the vessel to Bermuda in 2009 and it is licensed and sea-worthy.

He said: “This initiative has a lot going for it, especially after the reduction in the ferry service.

“I ran a late-night water taxi service in 2001 with another boat — that proved very successful.

Bars

“If we can get financial backing behind the project it could be a real winner.

“It would alleviate the drink-drive problem we have as it would provide people with a way of getting home.

“Plus, by bringing people to Hamilton it would help the bars and restaurants. We need to get all the interested parties together and make it happen.”

Government has already hinted it may look to the private sector to bolster the reduced service.

Mr Richardson, head of Marine and Ports, told the Bermuda Sun he would welcome entrepreneurial spirit, adding: “We are not adverse to entrepreneurial spirit. The critical mass is there to provide a business opportunity.

“We would encourage it, have a conversation and provide support if we could.

“I have already been approached by individuals who would like to provide a service on the water.” Michael Weeks, acting Minister for Transport, said the department is in the process of negotiating a partnership to provide weekend and bank holiday service on the pink route.

He added: “We hope to make an announcement imminently.”