Water Taxis To Get Going By Summer

THE city needs alternatives. Is desperate for them.

Confidential has nothing but admiration for the indefatigable determination of Cadwell

Movement around the city centre and movement in and out of the regional capital is in crisis. We are told that it will all be fine by 2017 (click here) but there is no evidence on the ground that the promised land of a smart infrastructure is less than two years away.

On Saturday evening Confidential had to get to Salford Crescent station at tea time. It was bedlam, the asinine use of a bus lane to narrow Chapel Street creating hell for drivers. Thursday night trying to get out of town down London Road was even worse.

And let's be in no doubt this is an artificially created traffic nightmare built upon a castles in the air notion of perfected public transport.

London Road no go

A cursory look at the map reveals there are four major routes through the city centre north to south; Deansgate, Cross Street, Mosley Street and Portland Street. Three of them are closed completely to private transport and Deansgate is partially closed along its Victoria Street extension. Of course congestion must follow as a result of this on the remaining streets and roads. Transport for Greater Manchester and the city council should admit they have created a much bigger congestion problem than any which existed before.

City transport policy presently resembles religion, we must have faith without manifest evidence. We must believe in 2017 and the promise of a happy and flowing infrastructure.  

Water taxis aren't going alleviate any of this but the initiative from Steve Cadwell is intriguing and positive. It's a bit of bright news in a gloomy picture.

Here's his press release:

'Following year long negotiations the Bridgewater Canal Company Limited (BCCL), which is owned by the Peel Land and Property Group, announced it has awarded Manchester Water Taxis a licence to operate two boats on the canal starting later this year.

'Peter Parkinson, the Bridgewater Canal General Manager said “We are delighted to have agreed terms to bring this alternative form of public transport onto the Bridgewater Canal, which together with the Bridgewater Way towpath improvements will help to reduce traffic congestion and increase sustainable travel within Manchester."

'Manchester Water Taxis founded in February 2009 by entrepreneur Steven Cadwell initially planned to launch on the Manchester Ship Canal providing public transport services between the city centre and MediaCityUK.

'Despite securing funding these plans were put on hold once HS2 was given the greenlight and the Ordsall Chord began construction which isn’t due to finish until 2017. Rather than mothball the project Manchester Water Taxis searched for alternative routes to market which have been realised with the signing of the BCCL licence.

'Cadwell said “The signing of this licence is a milestone in the history of Manchester Water Taxis. The next few months are going to going to be really exciting as we prepare for launch. I can’t wait to welcome the first passengers on board.”

'Under the terms of the licence Manchester Water Taxis will run a service to the intu Trafford Centre via Old Trafford and Hotel Football as well as a service to Sale both terminating at Dukes 92, Castlefield.

'It is Cadwell’s vision is to quickly build a fleet of waxis (the trademarked name for his boats) that will offer an alternative form of transport to our already congested roads and provide passengers with a relaxed, stress free journey that’s not only enjoyable but also reliable.'

Peter Parkinson of the Bridgewater Canal and Steve Cadwell

That's the press release.

Confidential first revealed the plan for Cadwell's water taxis in 2009. The idea of an hour's leisurely commute for around £4/£5 from Sale to Castlefield with wifi and breakfast is intriguing. Similarly a scoot to Old Trafford or onto the Trafford Centre (again around an hour) is beguiling. But it will be with the advent of boats from the heart of the city centre at the Lowry Hotel down to the Quays and MediaCityUK where the idea will really make an impact. The route along the Irwell and the Ship Canal is a better bet than the Bridgewater Canal's less direct route. It's another asset we will have to wait until at least 2017 to see in operation.

Still Confidential has nothing but admiration for the indefatigable determination of Cadwell to get his project off the ground and into the water.

"We want to start this summer," Cadwell told Confidential. "We need to prove the case but I'm convinced this is the right beginning for water taxis in Manchester."

If the hell on roads for cars, buses, bikes and pedestrians isn't resolved soon moving to Sale looks like a good proposition. It might be an hour in and out of town but it will be relaxing. Full steam ahead, we say, for Captain Cadwell and his curious Easter duck mascot. 

Ducks for Sale