Latest news with #waterTaxi
BBC News
24-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Could Sydney-style water taxis come to Portsmouth?
For those living near harbours in the South of England, the idea of calling a water taxi to get to work or home from a night out could soon be a idea was the subject of a summit last week involving politicians, ferry providers, business leaders and experts in marine event at the Portsmouth's historic dockyard heard the system could work on an "on-demand" basis, like Uber, or on a scheduled timetable, and could be key to helping alleviate some of the South's traffic ferry operators warned that public subsidies would be needed to get services off the ground and encourage people out of their car. The event was organised by Dame Caroline Dinenage, MP for Gosport, who said she wanted to hear the "art of the possible" and mimic cities like Sydney in Australia, which use water taxis for commuting and afterwards she said: "There's a definite enthusiasm to get things up and running to make the most of the water we have here. Everybody in one room helped see what the opportunities and obstacles are." Supporters of the idea included the operators of Gunwharf Quays, Hampshire chamber of commerce and Business South who said it could help encourage economic growth. But some of ferry operators at the summit said it was a challenge to change mindsets, to get people onto boats and out of cars, particularly outside of the summer months. The operator of the overnight ferry connecting Portsmouth and Gosport stopped sailings in February due to a lack of demand. Many in the industry said a change in government policy was needed are government grants to support public transport - like bus service improvement plans (BSIP) and the move back to public ownership for trains - but no such financial support exists in England for the maritime Rayment, owner of Blue Funnel Cruises, said: "Scottish ferries are subsidised, the ferries which cross Sydney harbour get financial support and there's been grants to the Thames clippers in London, but down here on the South Coast, there's nothing we can apply for, that's frustrating."Many in the room said public subsidies were needed while the service was in its infancy as the "passengers won't come instantly".In response, Caroline Dinenage said political backing was key as well as business support. You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Free Malaysia Today
19-05-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Request for proposal for Penang water taxi service cancelled
In 2021, MBPP identified four suitable jetties that could be used as pick-up and drop-off points for the water taxi service after a preliminary study. (Bernama pic) GEORGE TOWN : The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has agreed to cancel its request for proposal for the proposed water taxi service as the company involved has failed to secure approvals from the transport ministry. State infrastructure, transport and digital committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said MBPP's procurement board issued the cancellation letter on April 17 following the firm's failure to comply with the letter of intent for the project. 'At present, the state government is in discussions with the ministry to review the terms and feasibility of this project in greater detail. 'If the RFP is reopened in the future, the state government hopes that interested companies will be truly prepared and capable of fulfilling all the required conditions,' he said in a written reply to Teh Lai Heng (PH-Komtar) regarding the proposed water taxi service. Zairil said two companies had submitted proposals and several presentations were held before the RFP technical evaluation committee. MBPP then issued the letter of intent to the selected company. However, the company needed to obtain further approvals from various agencies like the marine department, Penang Port Commission, and district and land office, among others, before a letter of acceptance could be issued. In 2021, MBPP had conducted a preliminary study and identified suitable jetty locations that could be used as pick-up and drop-off points, with four locations proposed for the water taxi service.
