English Bay Launch has started operating a commuter service between Snug Cove and Granville Island and Coal Harbour and plans weekend runs from May to September.
Mike Shannon, owner and operator of the English Bay Launch, said that his goal is to make the service more stable as ridership has not been as consistent as he had hoped. He is looking at connecting his customers with a Car to Go service that has "six cars at Granville Island that have assured parking spots."
Shannon explained that he has learned a lot about Vancouver transportation options, including transit, in order to help islanders with their commute.
The water taxi leaves Snug Cove at 6:30 a.m. to Granville Island and at 8 a.m. and 5:15 p.m. to Coal Harbour. It departs Vancouver at 4:30 p.m. from Granville Island and 6 p.m. from Coal Harbour.
The trip takes approximately 35 minutes and costs $20 one way and $35 for the round trip. Books of 10 round trips cost $300 and monthly passes are also available.
Shannon says he has received a lot of positive feedback from visitors who enjoy the ride because of the beautiful scenery and appreciate seeing a part of British Columbia that is so different from downtown Vancouver, yet so easily accessible. For the weekend schedule, Shannon envisions as many as six departures from Granville Island and six departures from Snug Cove.
Tickets are available at www.eblaunch.com or by calling 604-484-8497, they can also be purchased on board.
