New water taxis could start in 2007

[Pete]

Water taxi development plans floated past City Council
by Brian Brus
The Journal Record
2/28/2006

OKLAHOMA CITY - The Oklahoma City Council is expected to request the movement of $2.2 million in federal funds today to allow work toward the development of an Oklahoma River corridor taxi system.

The first river taxi access ports could be in place at both ends of a seven-mile stretch of the river in early 2007, city officials said, with more terminals expected to be built soon thereafter, driven by local business demand.

"It's more than just moving people. It's seen as fostering and encouraging significant in-fill development along that corridor," said Pat Downes, director of development for the Oklahoma City Riverfront Redevelopment Authority. "Fixed transit corridors, such as a river or rail, have a history of a very colorful economic development impact on surrounding areas."

The City Council received the Oklahoma River Water Transport Mobility Plan prepared by the Goodman Corp. in late December. In mid-January, the Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority approved a resolution that brought under COTPA's administration the water transportation system along the seven miles of the North Canadian River dubbed the Oklahoma River. The Goodman plan was recommended for approval by the Oklahoma City Riverfront Redevelopment Authority on Jan. 31.

In order to implement the plan, funds already received from the federal Ferry Boat Discretionary Fund must be transferred from the Highway Administration to the federal Transit Administration. Officials at the state Department of Transportation have said they'll file the appropriate paperwork upon receipt of a formal request by the Riverfront Redevelopment Authority, COTPA and the city of Oklahoma City.

Once that's done, work will proceed toward establishing river taxi routes between two initial taxi terminals - one at the Bricktown Canal's intersection with the river, adjacent to the Chesapeake Boathouse, another just east of Meridian Avenue, a few miles north of Will Rogers World Airport.

Other water taxi terminals are likely to be built at the Stockyards District, near the state fairgrounds, the Dell Inc. computer service campus and the American Indian Cultural Center, when it's completed. Those terminals will be supported by street trolley service to expand traveler access through the city's core. The Goodman plan projects 11 docks by 2012.

Interstate 40's impending realignment through downtown will pull the highway closer to the river, "and actually will improve visibility and access to the river corridor," Downes said.

"The Riverfront (authority) trustees see this as a development tool; the COTPA trustees see it as a way to move significant numbers of people in an efficient but fun way," he said. "Many of the patrons staying at the hotels in the hospitality zone of the Meridian-aero corridor are in town to attend meetings or conventions held nearby or downtown."

John Rhodes, a trust specialist for the Riverfront Redevelopment Authority, said the river taxi concept originally was envisioned as something more akin to a fun canal ride. But the Goodman study suggested the river could become "a viable transportation system for larger numbers of people."

"We're going to try it and see what happens. There's nothing else like it in this part of the country," Rhodes said. "It'll need a lot of publicity and marketing and corporate support. But we believe it's there. We're already getting questions from people about how they can tie into this."

The initial plan outlined by the Goodman group suggested an opening in 2006. The study says transit trips would number 317 daily, or an annual tally of nearly 80,000 riders.

The plan elaborates on rider numbers for the following year when the river taxi service is expected to take off. Depending on events at the fairgrounds, volume could reach as high as 163,000 riders annually. And by 2012, the total number of river travelers is projected to reach 235,000.

"Many hotel operators have visited with us about the possibility of using their airport shuttle service vans to take patrons to the river taxi terminals," Downes said. "That's a tremendous private sector partnership that would potentially feed ridership into the public transit system."

[metro]

Glad to see progress is going forward on this

[BDP]

I think the success of this taxi system hinges upon there being both viable tourist destinations included and visible attractive landmarks along the way. I think this goes hand-in-hand with the landmark bridge designs we talked about earlier. Give them something interesting to look at along the way and the value increases significantly. I think dinner cruises and party cruises will be a good idea early on to add value to the trip. Having the taxis available for banquets and receptions would be a great addition as well.

Initially there won't be much besides a rocky engineered coastline and immature landscaping along the route. However, I think the long term potential is huge and being creative with services during its initial launch and early stages will help sustain it until the trip becomes an interesting attraction in and of itself.

[keving]

Isn't it supposed to take an hour to get from Downtown to the Meridian Corridor on this high-speed water taxi?

[BDP]

Isn't it supposed to take an hour to get from Downtown to the Meridian Corridor on this high-speed water taxi?

I think so, which is why it has to be developed as an attraction more so than just transportation, imo.

[floater]

Isn't it supposed to take an hour to get from Downtown to the Meridian Corridor on this high-speed water taxi?

It's my hope that the water taxi vendors separate the two functions (fun rides and transportation). For the the latter, you would think there'd be some kind of "express" line that takes you from the western stops to downtown in 15-25 minutes.

I totally agree with BDP that we have visual landmarks along the river. My vision is to have engaging, eye-popping, and huge pop art along the river. 6 - 8 pieces, with one or two changing pieces at high-traffic areas (such as the Bricktown water taxi stop or the Great Lawn of the Riverside neighborhood). Specific sites would be chosen along the river (on both sides). The selectivity of placement would be akin to the way the National Mall is developed with memorials and museums -- only the best and most important. It would give taxi riders something to look at. Trail users could use them for rest stops or pace landmarks (put seating areas around them). A perfect model would be the amazing pieces at Chicago's Millenium Park:

http://www.millenniumpark.org/

[Jack]

I think this will be much like how the canal developed. Originally the canal boats ventured through seas of concrete and mountains of dirt. Not much development was on the canal but over time, development picked up. In the early days, taxi captains had to use creativity to come up with landmarks, but overtime development has created landmarks. Same thing needs to happen on the river. Having stops at key attractions will be important. Jack in the Box can be the first stop.

[Patrick]

I still think we need more parks along the river. These alone could be interesting spots to stop!

From what I've heard Water Taxi will be operating 100 passenger boats along the river. Those will be almost twice the size of the present water taxis. Obviously, they'll have a lot larger motors, and will probably be enclosed.

[keving]

]For the the latter, you would think there'd be some kind of "express" line that takes you from the western stops to downtown in 15-25 minutes.

Unfortunately, I don't believe this is possible with the locks they have in place at May and Western.

[floater]

Unfortunately, I don't believe this is possible with the locks they have in place at May and Western.

Oh yeah; that's too bad. But an hour is too long for an ordinary commute.

[John]

I still think we need more parks along the river. These alone could be interesting spots to stop!

From what I've heard Water Taxi will be operating 100 passenger boats along the river. Those will be almost twice the size of the present water taxis. Obviously, they'll have a lot larger motors, and will probably be enclosed.

Go to www.watertaxi.com and click on both the Ft. Lauderdale and Texas tabs.

I don't know if they've finalized their boat of choice, but those are two options for the Oklahoma River routes.

[BDP]

I still think we need more parks along the river.

I agree. Parks with attractions like Central Park, Golden Gate Park, Millenium Park, Griffith Park, etc. Soccer fields and playground equipment is fine, but I'd like to see more unique uses of park space along the river in addition to traditional uses.

The riverfront area has great potential to be on even keel with some of the country's great civic parks, as long as city leaders don't table it as "too ambitious".

[BG918]

I think they should start out more as "river cruises" rather than taxis. Dinner and pleasure cruises would also be fun and a great place for "floating" events from corporate parties to OU/OSU Greek date parties. The unique bridges will absolutely be key to the river's success as a destination at first because to be honest it doesn't look that great right now. As more development happens along the banks in the next 10-15 years water taxis will be better utilized, not just for tourists but for transporation between the different districts along the river.

[Urban Pioneer]

What bridges are you guys talking about? I have a copy of the redevelopment plan and do not see any reference to bridges at all other than the small pedestrian bridges connecting the trails parallel to the river. Also, most of these bridges have already been installed.

In regards to monuments. I encourage you to review the Kerr McGee Bell Tower link if you have not done so. This will be a sharp vertical monument that will be going in with the benches and amenities that you describe. I hope that it is a start to setting the stage for bigger things to come. It will definitely be visible by pedestrians, ferries, and motorists.

The current redevelopment plan call for many vertical elements, art, and standard pedestrian development. Other development is oriented around boating and the potential future Central Park spanning from downtown to the river.

[Jack]

KMG bell tower won't be seen on these cruises. It's east of the Bricktown canal. Boats will be going from entrance of canal, west to Meridian.

[Jack]

We need casinos on the river like Harrah's.

[John]

KMG bell tower won't be seen on these cruises. It's east of the Bricktown canal. Boats will be going from entrance of canal, west to Meridian.

I was dissapointed with the design of the tower, after it recieved so much hype. Not much to look at...

[Urban Pioneer]

As I understand it, the taxis will be going to the Native American Indian Cultural Center site as well. Perhaps that is on a later leg.

Sorry you feel that way about the tower. However, it is the proper scale for the area and it will fill in a great void in that area as there are absolutely no amenities. The size of the tower is restricted due to high power lines in the area. But the design of it fits right in with the nautical theme that has been proposed.

[Patrick]

I personally wish the tower would've been built near Zone G of the canal, as it feeds into the river. And I definitely wish it was more on the caliber of the Space Needle in Seattle.

[fromdust]

I was dissapointed with the design of the tower, after it recieved so much hype. Not much to look at...

im with you on that.

[metro]

First Oklahoma River cruiser testing in NY waters
By - 10/9/2007


The Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority announced the Oklahoma River Cruiser – the Devon Discovery – will be tested tomorrow in Albany, N.Y.


In July, COPTA announced that within 18 months three boats would travel a seven-mile Oklahoma River route. Devon Energy donated $2 million for the project and former Oklahoma City Mayor Ron Norick announced the 65-feet-long and 14-feet-wide boats would each be named the Devon Discovery.


By the end of October, COPTA expects the first boat – which will hold 49 passengers -- to arrive in Oklahoma City. During the first phase, it will initially serve the Meridian Landing (SW 15th and Meridian) and Bricktown (at Regatta Park) areas.


Scarano Boats in Albany recently completed construction.


“Sea trials are a typical pre-delivery qualifying process for the vessel and with the Devon Discovery the exercise will put the boat through its paces with Oklahoma City representatives onboard to observe,” said Michael Lomax, general manager of Hornblower Marine Services and the Oklahoma River Cruises operation in a statement.

[Turanacus]

I'm excited, my fishing pole is ready!

[metro]

Devon's cruiser floats boat for backers

By Steve Lackmeyer
Business Writer

ALBANY, N.Y. — The dock master along the Hudson River saw but didn't hear the approaching Devon Discovery as the boat's passengers took a break from their six-hour maiden voyage.





"What is that running on — batteries?” the dock master asked.

He gave a typical New York shrug, letting his Oklahoma visitors know he was still skeptical as they insisted the boat was powered by John Deere diesel engines.

The Devon Discovery, the first of three Oklahoma River Cruisers built by Scarano Boats, was indeed a quiet ride as it traveled Wednesday from Albany to Troy and back again. Sitting in the enclosed cabin, above the engine room, passengers can easily converse from both sides and successfully use a cell phone without yelling.

The trip was part pleasure for those on board. Former Mayor Ron Norick, who chairs the Oklahoma City Riverfront Redevelopment Authority, took turns at the captain's wheel with Devon Energy Chief Executive Larry Nichols. But they also took serious notes as the boat was put through an elaborate series of tests. Those included sudden stops at 18 knots, or about 21 mph (effective, but quite jarring), repeated tight turnarounds (a Dramamine moment for those without sea legs), and a run through the river's locks.

The boats have been a years-long endeavor for the riverfront authority, which had the task of promoting the former North Canadian River, back when it was derided as an ugly ditch that had to be mowed three times a year. Even after the river was dammed as part of Oklahoma City's Metropolitan Area Projects, the same proponents faced plenty of skeptics doubting the waterway ever would feature a commuter boat operation.

But after a few years of delays, the Devon Discovery will arrive later this month, with two more to follow by next spring. They bear no resemblance to the popular water taxis that carry thousands on the adjoining Bricktown Canal.

The city first sought boat proposals in 2003, and Water Taxi of Oklahoma, which operates the canal boats, submitted the only bid. Water Taxi was chosen to build and operate the river boats, but after three years of negotiations, the service was put out for bid again when city officials determined by doing so they could qualify for additional federal funding.

Disagreements between Water Taxi owner Bob Bekoff and the riverfront authority led to that firm dropping from the project. Then Scarano Boats was chosen from three bidders. Though initially the cheapest bid was $1.4 million per boat, the price eventually was settled at $1 million per boat.

Devon Energy, meanwhile, paid $2 million for naming rights, allowing the city to order a third boat.

John Scarano, founder of Scarano Boats, grew up fascinated by shipping and started building boats about 30 years ago. He runs the company with his brother Bob and employs 32 people at a former fertilizer plant along the Hudson River. The company only does custom construction and to date has built 30 vessels, including a replica of the Santa Maria for the city of Columbus, Ohio.


Meeting customer needs
Keith Duffy, the company's head designer, said the Oklahoma River Cruiser started with a concept much different than the one being built. He said he tries to listen to what the customer wants, and then carefully tries to educate them as to what they need.
That job is easier these days, he said, thanks to computer programs that show clients detailed renderings of a proposed boat's superstructure and its finished look.

"We had a couple of design issues with this that were critical,” Duffy said. "The Oklahoma River has a very low overhead with its bridges — only an 11½ window under which we could fit the boat through. So originally we had a radar that would collapse under the deck.”

Over time the design evolved.

"It's a smaller profile on the water, and the length allows us to keep the wake down,” Duffy said. "And as a result, this boat just feels great on the water.”

Scarano estimates the Devon Discovery was built in about 5,000 pieces, making construction no easy task.

"There is a lot of equipment, there are no straight lines, and there are a lot of odd compartments,” Scarano said. "It's a challenge to put the engine and equipment in and make sure it all fits right.”

As the Oklahoma delegation toured the plant Wednesday, they saw the second boat, which is still under construction. After viewing the construction and watching a demonstration of Duffy's design software, the delegation was led to the completed Devon Discovery.

The boat is designed to double as a party boat, with removable tables that can be converted into buffet stands. The cabin's 27-inch flat screen televisions will display live GPS images of the boat's location along the Oklahoma River, safety films and promotional videos. The cabin, accented with wood trim and ornate gold-colored light fixtures, includes a rest room and climate controls.

Nichols, whose company will occasionally charter night cruises, noted a scarcity of electrical outlets needed by caterers. He, Norick and engineer Don Douglas also took notes on the boat's color schemes and sturdiness of the cabin's tables.

Such concerns were outweighed by their praise for the boat, which they each took turns driving. Nichols swore that Norick, a NASCAR enthusiast, was the most reckless at the wheel.

Douglas, meanwhile, paid careful attention when the ship passed through locks halfway through the journey. His firm, Triad Design, designed all three dams along the Oklahoma River and fought to include locks when funding was tight for the project. He convinced the city to solicit bids for building the dams with and without locks, gambling that the locks could be included without busting the project budget.

"Once you build a dam without it, you'd never be able to do it,” Douglas said.

The Devon Discovery waited 15 minutes for the water level to drop enough that it could pass through the lock. Douglas estimates the wait time will be shorter for the smaller Oklahoma River locks.

On the final stretch, the Scarano crew put the Devon Discovery through its harshest maneuvers, including sudden stops from high speed and tight turns. At no point did the boat stall.

The Devon Discovery is set to arrive in Oklahoma later this month, with a debut appearance at a Centennial river parade in November.


Details not final
But a lot of questions remain unanswered. The city has an operator, Hornblower Marine, hired to oversee operations, but daily commuter service isn't set to begin until next spring. Norick said ticket rates and operating hours are uncertain.
"Most things, when you start with them ... it takes a little imagination, a little hope, a lot of hard work and a little luck to make it work,” Nichols said. "You have momentum, you have excitement where people are predisposed to thinking this might work because so many things have worked the last decade that we didn't think would.”

[metro]

Search underway for river boat captains

By John Estus
Staff Writer
On the heels of the arrival of the city's first river boat next week, Oklahoma City Council members hired one of the nation's top water transport companies this morning.

Council members unanimously approved paying Hornblower Marine Services $40,000 for startup costs associated with launching the river taxi service and $15,000 a month to run it.

The first of the three Oklahoma River Cruisers makes its Oklahoma River debut Nov. 17 and the search for captains is now under way.

Local energy group Devon Energy paid $2 million for the naming rights to the boats and a delegation led by Chief Executive Larry Nichols took the first Devon Discovery for a test ride last week in Albany, N.Y. — home of the boating company, Scarano Boats, hired to build the vessels.

Michael Lomax, Hornblower's local general manager, was beginning the search for captains to steer the ships while Nichols and others took the maiden voyage. Lomax said a Hornblower boat captain will be in Oklahoma City to help train captains and other crew members during the startup process.

The company will employ about 15 people once the river taxi service is fully operational, Lomax said.

[CuatrodeMayo]

LAUNCHED!!!

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