Water Taxi Offers Options For Commuters

One option to the growing traffic crunch in the rapidly redeveloping heart of Fort Lauderdale may be the revamped "water bus" service to be offered by Water Taxi owner Bob Bekoff. In addition to cheaper fares, Beckoff plans a 40% increase in operating hours (starting as early as 6:30 am). Some routes will offer a 30-second trip to compete with 15 stressful minutes by road. The 13-year-old water taxi service carries 300,000 passengers a year now; Bekoff aims for a ridership of 1 million. Federal grants secured with the help of Congressman Clay Shaw are underwriting the expansion, but "By the end of three years, we hope we can make it self-sufficient out of the fare box." Bekoff said.