The Advent of the Water Taxi...

"Hey there you, who are looking at me, yes you with the camera in hand, 

Do you know exactly who I am and what I do?

You seem to be deeply interested in me

And why I grace these waters aimlessly...

But don't be fooled young one; I've got these passengers on my shoulders

While I protect the jetty, fish market, pirogues and waters.

I set sail at sunrise and I set sail when the sun sets.

From San Fernando to Port of Spain and back has been no sweat.

Oops! I cannot believe I was so rude- Call me the Paria Bullet,

Coming in from the horizon is my sister, Trini Flash.

Together we're the most recent mode of transportation, you know.

Here to cater to the citizens of environs, most ideally those of San Fernando.

Of course, it’s not just her and me,

There's also the Carnival Runner and Calypso Sprinter-- We're all T&Ts Water Taxis."

In this week's photo blog, my aim was to captivate yet another interesting perspective on the different modes of transportation existing in, around and out the city of San Fernando. The Water Taxi service only came into existence five years ago and is the most conventional aquatic means of transporting citizens from the nation's capital, Port of Spain to the city of San Fernando, vice versa. Since its recent arrival, the water taxi has lent its services to citizens who are from the southern city and beyond. More so, those who have jobs in the capital but dwell in the southern city. In addition, the water taxi, to most, has been very convenient and efficient compared to waiting long hours in traffic and alleviating fatigue from workers who drive long distances between the two locations. This service also provides vehicular drivers with the option of using the public parking lot that neighbours both terminals in the city of San Fernando the capital of Port of Spain. On a further note, citizens can share that they have been privileged to view the coastal city of San Fernando on water together with the industrial activities that take place on the way to the capital. It has also been enlightening to see when industrial ships come to our shores to engage in imports and exports simply because such a view cannot be seen on land.

 The Advent of the Water Taxi Service

•           2005- Cabinet agreed to a ferry service being developed and implemented between Port of Spain and Diego Martin by the National Infrastructure Development Company Limited (NIDCO).

•           2008-2010- Yielded the year where the service was launched via the usage of three second hand vessels. (HSC Katia, HSC Milancia and HSC Olivia.)

•           2010- Marked the launch of four brand new 41m high speed catamarans. They were the HSC Carnival Runner, HSC Carnival Sprinter, HSC Paria Bullet and HSC Trini Flash. The ferries were expected to transport 404 persons inclusive of 2 wheelchair spaces, persons based on first come first serve basis, persons 65 years and older for free and infants free of charge.

•           2012 to present- The Water Taxi Service has remained the best at providing a comforting hassle free alternative when compared to the most relied on mode of transport, that is, vehicular transport. Though the main aim has been to assist in the relieving of traffic along the East West corridor, the roadways and highways still experience heavy traffic congestion. Nevertheless, nothing can take away from such a luxurious service.

Information courtesy: - http://www.tntisland.com/watertaxis.html

                                       http://www.nidco.co.tt/index.php/projects/water-taxi.html      

Newspaper articles regarding the upheld services fulfilled by the Water Taxi: - 

1) http://www.trinidadexpress.com/letters/Kudos_to_the_water-taxi_service-115468609.html

Kudos to the water-taxi service

By 

Story Created: Feb 7, 2011 at 6:58 AM ECT

Story Updated: Feb 7, 2011 at 6:58 AM ECT 

As a regular traveller of the water-taxi service, I wish to express thanks and gratitude for a well-organised, efficient and prompt service. Thanks to the management and staff—from security to the crew onboard who, with their warm smiles, greet us every day. I must say that the service given is impeccable.

Amidst many criticisms, this service has brought a lot of relief for me because I travel from Fyzabad to PoS on a daily basis and, for many southeners who face approximately five hours of traffic on the highway on a daily basis, this is a welcome and working alternative.

From seeing less people and more empty seats last week, to this morning seeing more people and less empty seats, I guess its just starting to "make waves". All you need to do is try it once and you will agree that its a well-managed service.

Keep up the good work!

Regards,

Seeta Bhim

2) http://www.trinidadexpress.com/business/Wharf_booms_as_water_taxis_start_service-115475944.html

Wharf booms as water taxis start service

By Louis B Homer South Bureau

Story Created: Feb 7, 2011 at 9:35 AM ECT

Story Updated: Feb 7, 2011 at 9:35 AM ECT 

Since the introduction of the water taxi service less than a week ago, King's Wharf, San Fernando is fast becoming a major shopping centre of the southern city.

Already, the area is crowded and parking places are now at a premium.

On a daily basis, more and more small entrepreneurs are occupying strategic spots on the waterfront.

Commuters travelling to the deep south, however, continue to board maxi-taxis and regular taxis in a designated area at the wharf.

San Fernando Mayor Kenneth Ferguson said yesterday that while he welcomed the increase in commercial activities at the wharf, "we need to structure what is taking place there".

He said the City Council currently did not have any jurisdiction over the area occupied by the water taxis, which are expected to pick up speed from Monday with the end of the holiday period and the reopening of school.

"We are ready to have discussions with the National Infrastructure Development Corporation regarding the security and management of the area," Ferguson said.

He added: "It is obvious that the increase in activities will require more police supervision as well as the establishment of proper eating places."

Fishermen using the wharf continue to ply their trade, fearful that the premises they now occupy to tend their boats and nets will be taken away for expansion of activities relating to the water taxis or small business places.

Salim Gool, president of the San Fernando Fishermen Association, has expressed concern over the development of the area. He said yesterday: "At a time when there is a need for more food, government has placed water taxis before the supply of fish."

Gool said he was waiting on the authorities to find out what plans would be put in place to

help fishermen, who stand to lose income from the decline in fishing activities.

Geography perspective on ferry transportation

 J. Rodrigue, C. Comtois and B. Slack in, " Geography of Transport Systems" described that 

"Transportation modes are an essential component of transport systems since they are the means by which mobility is supported. Geographers consider a wide range of modes that may be grouped into three broad categories based on the medium they exploit: land, water and air. Each mode has its own requirements and features, and is adapted to serve the specific demands of freight and passenger traffic. This gives rise to marked differences in the ways the modes are deployed and utilized in different parts of the world. Recently, there is a trend towards integrating the modes through intermodality and linking the modes ever more closely into production and distribution activities. At the same time, however, passenger and freight activity is becoming increasingly separated across most modes."

It must be noted however that all three authors discussed water transportation in the realm of business activity and classified ferry services with that of shipping. Whilst both may be an integral part in the progression of a city, they also mentioned that its importance may differ based on competition for space and the purpose to be fulfilled by such modes of water transportation. Reference was also made to water services providing access to inland markets. In comparison to my blog post this week, I can bravely mention that even though the water taxi service has provided means of transport, it has contributed to the boost of San Fernando markets. San Fernando is a growth pole for business activity, recreation and transport hence it is truly amazing that this city openly shares its culture hourly, daily, weekly, monthly and yearly with the people of the nation via TRANSPORTATION.

I hope you guys have fun reading.

Until next week,

Shaniece.