Future Potomac ferry. Image from americanrivertaxi.com.

Way back in 2005 DDOT floated the idea of a ferry system for the Potomac River that would taxi passengers between the various waterfront destinations inside the beltway. The idea was so interesting that I made a map for BeyondDC.

For one reason or another, it never happened. Since that time a small ferry network has sprung up to serve National Harbor, but the DC system has remained a dream.

Now a company called American River Taxi says it will launch a DC-oriented ferry system in the second quarter of this year. They plan to initially serve Georgetown, the Southwest Waterfront, Nationals Stadium, Alexandria and National Harbor with a fleet of 2 boats, with plans to grow to 8 boats and serve additional destinations such as Poplar Point and National Airport within a few years.

No word yet on what sort of fares or service frequencies to expect, although with 5 stops and only 2 boats it’s hard to imagine headways shorter than every hour or so.

One potential complication could be the “ART” acronym, which the ferry system could use, but which is already claimed by Arlington’s bus system.

Hat tip to JDland for breaking the news.