JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 • FOGHORN 13 FOGHORNFOCUS: SALES & MARKETING IMTRA COLORS 2016 Primary Use Secondary Use Blue Pantone 647 96C 54M 5Y 27K Pantone Cool Gray 7 20C 14M 12Y 40K Pantone Cool Gray 2 5C 3M 5Y 11K Black 0C 0M 0Y 100K Pantone 368 65C 0M 100Y 0K Pantone 629 36C 0M 9Y 0K The Trusted Source for Quality Systems THRUSTERS • LIGHTING • SEATING • TRIM CONTROL • WIPERS • CONTROLS www.imtra.com What are water taxis, as opposed to commuter ferries? Is there a definition? Does the U.S. Coast Guard consider them different than traditional passenger vessels? There is much overlap between the definition of a ferry and a water taxi; however, when we speak of water taxis we are generally referring to smaller T- Class vessels carrying passengers only, Inner-city routes with multiple stops, and relatively shorter route lengths. Some operations may be on-demand, others have a schedule and act more as a “water bus or train.” It is important to note that although land taxis are on- demand, most water taxis operate on a scheduled loop.   What markets have been especially successful for water taxis? The largest water taxi system in the United States is the NYC Ferry in New York City. Although it is entitled a “ferry,” I would argue that its fleet of T-class, passenger-only vessels, with in- ter-city routes makes them a water taxi. NYC Ferry carried 2.5 million people in the first six months of its existence and has become an important part of the city’s transportation network. This was a big project and its success has been very important to the image and reputation of water borne transit in our inner cities. Boston Harbor Cruises has also had success operating on- demand, as well as scheduled water taxis in Boston Harbor. In Chicago, with the city’s new $95 million Riverwalk, the market has competing water taxi services with stops on all three branches of the Chicago River. However, it doesn’t have to be a large international city to have a successful water taxi network. San Antonio, Oklahoma City, and Tampa Bay are examples of smaller markets that have invested in public riverwalks that have great water taxi routes.   NYC Ferry has received a lot of attention from the press since it was launched this summer. There are plans underway for continued growth. Can you explain why this service has been successful? Is this a business model that can be replicated in other markets? Why or why not? New York City’s subway system is notoriously in decay and the City’s commuters were in dire need of more transportation options, especially to areas with no subway access. Tall high- rises keep popping up along the City’s shorelines and increased access was needed to these areas. Furthermore, the quality of commute is far superior by water than land, especially on the overcrowded unreliable subways. The business model can be replicat- ed; however, the extensive reach of the NYC Ferry’s routes, coupled with low ticket prices necessitates a heavy subsidy, in NYC Ferry’s case about $6.60 per passenger, according to the New York Times. Smaller cities with lower budgets, or non-subsidized