It took two years and $20,000, but a new water taxi stand opened on Monday in River North on the north branch of the Chicago River. Alderman Reilly says demand for downtown water taxi stops is “tremendous.”

July 29, 2009 – Two years in the making, a new water taxi stand opened on Monday in River North on the north branch of the Chicago River. Shoreline Water Taxi built the stop just northwest of West Erie and North Larrabee Streets, at a reported cost of about $20,000.

(Above) The Wendella vessel Ouilmette passes the Erie Street dock on Tuesday afternoon. (Click on image to view larger version.)

42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly made the announcement last Friday. According to his newsletter, Reilly had been working with the Chicago Department of Transportation and the Chicago Park District for two years to secure a water taxi location in River North. “There has been tremendous demand for new water taxi stand locations throughout downtown Chicago, but given the dimensions of the Chicago River and busy water traffic patterns, there are precious few locations where water taxi stands can be safely installed on the river.”

The location for the access gate for the Erie Street service was selected, says Reilly, “as the safest possible location for docking – due to varying depths of the river and pylon obstructions – and as an optimal location for passenger loading and unloading.”

The River North Residents Association says it has wanted a water taxi stand for four years. On its web site, the RNRA expressed gratitude “to Alderman Reilly, the Chicago Park District, the CDOT, the Chicago River Harbor Master, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the taxi operator for their efforts to bring this wonderful new amenity to our neighborhood.”

The dock will operate Monday through Friday, mornings and afternoons, taking commuters south to Union Station and Willis Tower, and southeast to Michigan Avenue. One-way fares will be $1 in the morning and $1.50 in the afternoon.

Shoreline co-owner Matt Collopy told the Chicago Tribune the commute from the new stop to Michigan Avenue is about 15 minutes.

(Above) Map showing Marina City in lower right corner and location of new water taxi stand in upper left corner. (Click on image to view larger version.)

 Web site: Shoreline Water Taxis