Baltimore Water Taxi Celebrates 50th year in Operation
The Baltimore Water Taxi is proud to mark an important milestone: 50 years of continuous operation. The organization has provided residents and visitors with a convenient, scenic way to traverse and experience the city’s harbor.
In 1975, Mayor Donald Schaffer called upon a sailing center owner Ed Kane to develop a transit line between two new, exciting attractions along the Downtown waterfront: Harborplace and The Maryland Science Center.
Ed, a Navy veteran and former BGE executive, took the opportunity. The Baltimore Water Taxi was born and the first transit line with just two stops was launched. Today, a total of six lines and ten stops are serviced.
When Ed passed away in 2003, his wife Cammie continued operating the Water Taxi where she met Michael McDaniel– a veteran and entrepreneur who loved working on the water. Impressed by his drive and vision, Cammie offered to sell him the company in 2010 and he seized the opportunity. Though sold to Sagamore Ventures in 2016, Michael has since remained the CEO of the Baltimore Water Taxi.
“When Cammie offered me the chance to take the helm, I trusted my gut — and it’s been one of the most rewarding decisions of my life,” said Michael McDaniel, President & CEO of the Baltimore Water Taxi. “You never know when an opportunity will present itself, but this was one of those moments — and I’m grateful I was in the right place at the right time.”
Since 2010, the Baltimore Water Taxi has added a variety of new transit services and entertainment opportunities.
Once a solely private enterprise, the company partnered with the City of Baltimore’s Department of Transportation to develop three free Harbor Connector lines servicing five stops.
In addition to developing Private Charter and Harbor cruise opportunities, the Baltimore Water Taxi has expanded the Harbor Trolley system, a set of ticketed lines that run Thursday through Sunday during peak tourist seasons.
“We are all about giving people, whether you’re visiting Baltimore for the first time or have lived here your whole life, a special way to experience our city’s beautiful harbor.” Stacy Wenchel, Vice-President of Sales Marketing since 2014, said. “Celebrate your birthday at sunset on a private charter. Hit up the city’s attractions via the Harbor Trolley. Make us a part of your commute. We have so many unique things to offer.”
Wenchel, an avid dog lover, adds, “Your pups are welcome aboard too!”
The Baltimore Water Taxi is still innovating and growing. Later this year it will roll out an on-demand water transit service. McDaniel said: “As ride-sharing has increased in popularity, the team is putting the final touches on its float-sharing model. This is just another way to give our restaurants, hotels, and legacy attractions along the waterfront a boost.”
Today, the Baltimore Water Taxi employs 30 staff and crewmembers. Lewis Hubbard, one of the organization’s longest tenured current employees, started out as a Deckhand in 2003 and is now the Vice-President of Operations. He said: “My career started as a summer job in 2003 and I’ve been here ever since. Our customers and crew are the best part of the job and customer service is a priority, but we are always looking for innovative ways to improve our services and experiences.”
The Baltimore Water Taxi will provide ride specials and celebratory events the rest of the year to mark this important milestone: five decades of serving people on the water in the heart of Baltimore.
