Transit Mode: Water Taxis

Image of Trinidad Water Taxi

  There were 4 water taxis, presently reduced to 2, which make a combination of 14 trips on a weekday, between San Fernando and Port-of-Spain. (James, 2014) Based on the schedule which can be viewed here: http://www.tntisland.com/watertaxis.html and the fact that water traffic does not exist, this mode of transport is fast and effective. Due to land traffic congestion, water taxis are a mechanism by which traffic can be lessened on roadways. Additionally air pollution and greenhouse emissions would be reduced thereby making the urban atmosphere healthier. The water taxis also have the ability to transport more persons per trip than any other transport mode in the country. Rodrigue et al (2013) says that commuting takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, however water taxi travel takes much less time.

  However despite all its good, in an article on the water taxi (Guardian, July 14, 2013), Radhica Sookraj revealed that the government is spending TT$41 million on the water taxi annually but at a loss, and that the service may be phased out if it doesn't become profitable. Another article which pleas for the realization of the potential of the water taxi argues that the government is not trying to development ways to preserve the service, but rather is opting to shut it down. (Guardian 2013) The article also highlights that the the vessels have the potential to greatly reduce traffic on the south to north routes and can additionally assist the east-west traffic issue if services are made available in Diego Martin. 

  Another strong point  made is that the vessels should not be viewed based on their monetary value but upon it's greater productivity and long term environmental advantages, and I concur. Government and citizens need to realize the potential of the water taxi.

Reference    

• James, Roger. 2014. Trinidad and Tobago Water Taxis. http://www.tntisland.com/watertaxis.html (accessed April 8, 2014).
• Rodrigue, J., C. Comtois, B. Slack.2013.The geography of transport systems.3rd ed. London and New York: Routledge. http://people.hofstra.edu/geotrans/eng/ch6en/conc6en/ch6c1en.html. (accessed February 10, 2014).
• 2013. Realize the potential of the water taxi service. Guardian, January 18. http://guardian.co.tt/news/2013-01-17/realise-potential-water-taxi-service (accessed April 11, 2014).