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Toronto is unveiling a new water shuttle that runs along the city’s waterfront.
The East-West Water Shuttle Pilot, officially launched by Waterfront Toronto, the City of Toronto and the Toronto Port Authority, opens to the public on Friday.
The shuttle has three stops in Toronto’s inner harbour: the Portland Slip, Yonge Slip and Ookwemin Minising at Biidaasige Park.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow was among the first people to take the shuttle, saying it was a “simple, scenic way” to move along the waterfront. She said it connects key points along the inner harbour.
“The best way to appreciate the city is from the water with the city as a backdrop,” Chow told reporters.
Chow described the service as “practical” and “thoughtful” and “forward looking” because it will connect people.
“It will run no cost to the city. I always like to hear that,” Chow said.
“There hasn’t been any kind of shuttle services along the waterfront, going east and west. This changes that.”
The pilot project will run for the next three years from June to September.
Organizers say they are targeting commuters and tourists with the new service.
Bill Duron, chairman of York Bay Marine Services, which won the contract to operate the shuttle, said if the company ends up taking 7,000 to 10,000 over the summer months, it will be considered successful.
“We checked with other operators in other cities, and found that it’s affordable, it’s manageable, as well as it’s competitive with the taxis that are just going north and south over to the island.”
York Bay Marine Services, a private company, will operate the shuttle seven days a week between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets for a one way trip , which takes about 15 minutes, are $15. Shuttles will depart hourly and can take up to 12 passengers.