CONFIDENTIAL broke news of one local entrepeneur's plans to launch a Water Taxi service or 'Waxis' on the city’s canals back in 2009.
"The Bridgewater Canal passes through the heart of Manchester and it makes perfect sense to use it to the benefit of the thousands of people who pass through the city every day."
The waxis could boost Manchester's current transport system (a tinsy bit) and provide city centre commuters and visitors in Manchester, Salford and Trafford with an alternative and environmentally friendly public transport service.
We got behind the idea and have kept a close eye since it's initial inception in 2009 to the first visuals back in 2013.
It had been expected that Manchester Water Taxis would be launched in June 2013, but it seemed progress had stalled.
Founder Steve Cadwell is still on a mission to bring Manchester Waxis to the city, but has asked for support from the local community to help crowdfund the £75,000 required to build and launch the boats.
According to waxiMCR, each boat costs around £35,000 to make.
Founder Steve Caldwell and a massive duck
With a route that passes key Manchester landmarks such as Old Trafford, as well as Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs’ new Trafford-based Hotel Football and other key hotspots such as Dukes 92, waxiMCR could help ease the city’s congested roads and busy public transport networks (a little bit).
The water boats would seat approximately twelve people, offer up wifi onboard and will cost around £5.
Speaking on his plans, Cadwell said: “Manchester has always been a vibrant, cutting edge city and with the ever increasing influx of tourists and young professionals wanting to work here, it’s time for an alternative form of travel.
“The Bridgewater Canal passes through the heart of Manchester and it makes perfect sense to use it to the benefit of the thousands of people who pass through the city every day."
Artist's impression of a waxi outside the IWM North in Salford
“This is a chance for Mancunians to make history and help bring a brand new icon to the city," Caldwell continued. "With a guaranteed 20% return for anyone who invests over £215 in the venture.
“We also have a lot of interest from overseas, particularly from tourists visiting the Manchester United Football ground. We hope that waxis will offer a great way for people to travel to home games on match days, adding to their Manchester experience.
“We hope the city will get behind waxis and help to make them a reality.”
Investors will have 60 days from the 27 October in which to contribute to the crowdfunding campaign and bring waxis to Manchester’s waterways.
To get behind Manchester’s new transport initiative and make your mark, visit the crowdfunding campaign page at manchesterwatertaxis.com
