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Miami Beach suspends water taxi service

The Poseidon Ferry had a deal to receive taxpayer funds from the city of Miami Beach to relaunch its downtown Miami to Miami Beach service across Biscayne Bay.
Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works
The Poseidon Ferry had a deal to receive taxpayer funds from the city of Miami Beach to relaunch its downtown Miami to Miami Beach service across Biscayne Bay.

Miami Beach’s water taxis are being suspended, about two months after they started to embark on trips across Biscayne Bay.

In a unanimous vote, the city commission decided to cut the service’s funding. Back in June, the city agreed to subsidize the program at $50,000 per month.

READ MORE: Miami Beach puts $600,000 into its latest water taxi service. Will it work?

According to the Miami Herald, the Poseidon Ferry, which ran the service, had been experiencing maintenance issues. The Herald also reports that the ferry experienced low ridership, air conditioning issues and mechanical failures.

While the ferry service, which was meant to relieve traffic congestion, is losing its funding, city officials say they may reconsider other versions of the program at a different location.

Helen Acevedo, is WLRN's anchor for All Things Considered.
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