The Cleveland Metroparks is officially launching its water taxi Memorial Day weekend.
The boat, eLCee2, docks near Coastal Taco on the east bank and close to Music Box Supper Club on the west bank. The crossing only takes about two minutes.
“It’s all about connecting people to our parks and trails,” said Rick Haase, director of communications for the Cleveland Metroparks. “We’re hoping people will utilize the service and take advantage of all the parks in the downtown region here.”
The taxi can fit up to 18 passengers and four bikes. Dogs are allowed on board.
Unlike water taxis of the past, eLCee2 only operates until 9 p.m. on weekends.
“For lack of a better term, it’s not a booze cruise,” Haase said. “It is not a party boat.”
Tickets cost $2 and can be used for unlimited trips per day.
The dock construction, landscaping and engineering came at a price tag of $1.1 million. The boat cost $172,582. It was mostly funded by taxpayer dollars.
“We’re not really doing this to make money,” said Haase. “We’re doing this to be a service to northeast Ohioans and to help them make connections from east to west again."
The hours of operation are:
- Thursday, 4-7 p.m.
- Friday, 4-9 p.m.
- Saturday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Sunday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
