Newburgh-Beacon Water Taxi Launched for Summer 2007

In 2005, the catchphrase "Welcome Back to the Future!" heralded the start-up of the weekday ferry service.

Today, with the launching of expanded weekend water taxi service, riders are invited to "Catch the Spirit".

Thanks to an outstanding cooperative effort between the Cities of Newburgh and Beacon and the Counties of Orange and Dutchess, Hudson Cruises Inc., Metro-North Railway and others, weekend and holiday water taxi services will be available from June 23-October 8 (Columbus Day). Hudson-based Hudson Cruises is providing the service on its USCG registered vessel, "The Little Spirit."

"This is regionalism at its best," said Newburgh Mayor Nicholas Valentine. "Any time we can work with another municipality or government agency for the mutual benefit of all, we are delighted. This water taxi service, in tandem with the ferry, will go a long way to enhance tourism and economic development endeavors in both our cities."

The Water Taxi services will launch from the Front Street Marina (near 26 Front Street) on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from June 23 to October 8. Free parking is available at the ferry parking lot in Newburgh, and on weekends and holidays at the commuter lot in Beacon.

The cost for the water taxi is $8 one-way, $10 round trip, half-price for children. The round-trip ticket will be good all weekend, so visitors can come in on Saturday and leave on Sunday. Service runs from Newburgh-Beacon every hour from noon-7 p.m. The return trip is every hour from 12:30 pm-7:30 pm (see schedule). You can catch the "Little Spirit" in Beacon from the city owned property right on the harbor, adjacent to Long Dock.

"We have always been true sister communities," said Beacon Mayor Clara Lou Gould. "When we were both model Greenway communities we put together a trail map called A Trail of Two Cities, with the bridge as the connector. Having our cities linked by water seven days a week will take the connection a step further, and give residents and visitors a chance to admire the magnificent views of the Hudson Highlands from our beautiful river, and then experience each city's unique cultural, artistic and historic attractions as well as our common bonds."

Along with Kingston and Poughkeepsie, Newburgh and Beacon participate in 4 Cities/4 Celebrations of the Arts (see artalongthehudson.com). Beacon celebrates on the Second Saturday of every month, while Newburgh feataures the Last Saturdays May-October. In addition to providing Hudson Valley visitors and residents an alternative means of transportation for these events, the water taxi will be another way to access shopping, restaurants, and sight-seeing on both shores throughout the summer.