When the boat comes in…

[dropcap=”circle”]Commuters to Manchester will soon have a new way of travelling to work from Sale – water taxis.

The service is expected to begin in August, and feature a regular service on the Bridgewater Canal.

The “waxis” boats have been granted a licence to run a service from Sale to Dukes 92 Castlefield, by the Bridgewater Canal Company.

The boats are now being built, and will have room  to carry 12 passengers every trip.

‘’We expect to begin services in August, but this will depend on how fast the boat makers can build and deliver the boats to us,’’ says Steve Cadwell, entrepreneur and owner of Manchester Water Taxis.

Steve originally wanted to have the water taxis running on the Manchester Ship Canal serving Media City, but the plans had to be put on hold.  Now the yellow duck logo of Manchester Water Taxis, will be seen on the Bridgwater Canal.

The boats will run a regular service to Old Trafford and Hotel Football, Dukes 92 and Bridgewater Hall and offer alternative form of transport into Manchester.

The canal’s towpath is popular with cyclists commuting to Manchester, and its hoped the “waxis” will help relieve some of the congestion.

The Bridgewater Canal has been used as a popular  means of getting to Manchester before as this photograph shows. It dates back to 1900, although we doubt this particular boat would pass today’s  health and safety regulations. We are indebted to Trafford Archives for the use of this photograph.

More photos at apps.trafford.gov.uk/TraffordLifeti…