Nationals Navy? Water taxi offers river ride to games

WASHINGTON - There was a "transportation inauguration" of sorts in the area last night, and WTOP has the first reviews. A double-decker vessel called the "Miss Christin" carried about 20 baseball fans from Alexandria's waterfront to a pier across from Nationals Park Tuesday night - the first water taxi to make the trip.

The boat left Alexandria at 6:10 p.m. and arrived right on time 40 minutes later at a new pier on the Anacostia River right across from the ballpark's first base gate. Riders are allowed back on the boat after the seventh inning stretch with a wristband that guarantees them access. The boat leaves the D.C. pier for the trip back to Alexandria about 20 minutes after the final pitch.

What do fans on board think of the new service?

"We love the water and think it's a great way to go instead of Metro or driving," says Marie Johnson who enjoyed the ride with her husband.

Jim Gianiny from Falls Church, a season ticket holder, enjoyed the ride.

"The team's not playing so well, so I try to find some fun other places," he says.

Carl Goldberg of Alexandria calls the water taxi idea "fantastic", but wishes the price tag was a bit lower. A round trip ticket costs $20, and Goldberg paid an extra $5 to park in Alexandria.

"Maybe they should offer to validate parking," he suggests.

Water taxi service through the Potomac Riverboat Co. is available to and from six more home games this month, and will likely be offered during many more home games next season.

(Copyright 2009 by WTOP. All rights reserved.)