Manchester's Waxi Water Taxi Service Capsizes

The Demise of Manchester's Waxi Water Taxi Service

Manchester's innovative Waxi water taxi service, launched with great promise on the Bridgewater Canal in 2016, has sadly navigated its final voyage. After just two years of operation, the service has been discontinued, with its operator, Steven Cadwell, citing a lack of support from Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) as the primary reason for its premature end. The boats themselves are now up for sale, marking a significant setback for the city's aspirations to integrate water-based transport into its public network.

A Vision for Waterside Commuting

The Waxi service initially aimed to provide a unique and scenic mode of transport, connecting key areas of Manchester and Salford. The initial routes Ferried passengers between Castlefield and the Trafford Centre, with plans to expand and connect Salford Quays with the bustling Spinningfields district. The vision was clear: to offer a viable alternative to congested roads and crowded trams, leveraging Manchester's extensive canal network.

Steven Cadwell, the founder of Waxi, had a clear ambition. "I struggled for years to get TfGM to buy into it," he stated. "It's no different than bus shelters and bus stops. We wanted to be part of the public transport infrastructure." This sentiment highlights the operator's desire for integration and recognition as a legitimate public transport option, akin to established bus and tram services.

Infrastructure Woes: The Achilles' Heel

A major stumbling block for Waxi was the lack of adequate landing infrastructure. Cadwell expressed frustration over the subpar boarding facilities, particularly for high-profile passengers. "If you take a boat from MediaCity to town, you’re scrambling up a rusty old ladder to get to Spinningfields," he lamented. "You’re talking BBC executives in their Louboutins. It’s embarrassing. I’m confident it put people off." The absence of proper pontoon platforms and accessible ramps made the service appear unprofessional and inconvenient, deterring potential users.

The original plan to develop pontoon platforms between Chapel Wharf and MediaCityUK, funded by a £1m grant from the Local Sustainable Transport Fund, was derailed by the construction of the Ordsall Chord rail link. This project led to the temporary closure of the river navigation, and the allocated funding was subsequently redirected to the Port Salford Greenway cycling and walking route. Despite appeals to TfGM for assistance in funding the necessary infrastructure, the operator claims the transport authority was unwilling to provide the required support.

TfGM's Position and the Business Case

Transport for Greater Manchester, represented by CEO Jon Lamonte, expressed regret over the cessation of the Waxi service. Lamonte stated that TfGM has always promoted water transport as part of its long-term strategy. However, he also emphasised the critical factors that underpin the success of any transport mode: "Like all modes of transport, the introduction and maintenance of these services are dependent on customer demand, the availability of necessary funding and sound business cases." This suggests that while the concept of a water taxi was supported in principle, the practical execution and financial viability of Waxi did not meet TfGM's criteria for sustained public investment.

Lessons from the Waterways

The failure of Waxi serves as a cautionary tale for future ventures aiming to utilise Manchester's waterways for public transport. The experience underscores the vital importance of robust infrastructure, seamless integration with existing transport networks, and strong backing from transport authorities. Without these elements, even the most innovative services can struggle to stay afloat.

Salford Mayor Paul Dennett echoed the disappointment, acknowledging Waxi as a "great asset for the city" and a crucial step in "properly embraced its waterways by using it for everyday transport." He confirmed that Salford Council is actively seeking new funding sources for the necessary landing facilities, believing that waterways will play a significant role in the future movement of people and goods across Greater Manchester.

Comparative Analysis: Waxi vs. Other Water Tours

To understand the challenges faced by Waxi, it's useful to compare its operational model with other successful water-based attractions in Manchester. While Waxi aimed for commuter transport, services like the 'City River Tour' focus on sightseeing and leisure. These tours, operating on vessels like the Princess Katherine or Isabella, offer guided experiences along the Salford Quays and the Manchester Ship Canal. They provide a different value proposition, focusing on tourism and the unique historical and cultural narrative of the city's waterways.

Key differences can be observed in their objectives and operational requirements:

The 'Boat to Old Trafford' service, catering to matchday travel for Manchester United fans, also highlights a niche market for water transport that focuses on event-specific demand, bypassing traffic congestion. This demonstrates that water transport can be successful when targeted towards specific needs and events, rather than attempting to compete directly with established daily commuter services without the necessary foundational support.

The Future of Water Transport in Manchester

Despite the setback with Waxi, the potential for water transport in Manchester remains. The city's extensive waterways, including the Bridgewater Canal, River Irwell, and Manchester Ship Canal, offer a unique opportunity for future development. The success of other cities, such as London with its Thames Clipper service, demonstrates that well-planned and integrated water transport can be a valuable asset.

Key considerations for future initiatives include:

• Strategic Infrastructure Investment: TfGM and local authorities need to prioritise the development of accessible and modern landing facilities across key routes.
• Integration with Public Transport: Water services must be seamlessly integrated into the wider transport network, with coordinated ticketing and scheduling.
• Robust Business Cases: Any new water transport venture must present a clear and sustainable business model that addresses operational costs, demand, and potential revenue streams.
• Targeted Market Approach: Identifying specific market segments, such as tourism, leisure, or event-specific travel, might prove more viable than directly competing with established commuter modes without full integration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Waxi water taxi service stop running?

The operator, Steven Cadwell, cited a lack of adequate landing infrastructure and insufficient support from Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) as the primary reasons for the service's failure. He felt that the poor boarding facilities deterred passengers and prevented the service from being a viable public transport option.

What was the intended route for the Waxi water taxi?

Initially, Waxi operated between Castlefield and the Trafford Centre. It later expanded to connect Salford Quays with Spinningfields. The service aimed to ferry passengers between key locations along the Bridgewater Canal and River Irwell.

What infrastructure was missing for Waxi?

Waxi lacked proper pontoon platforms and accessible ramps at its landing points. The operator described the boarding process as difficult, with passengers having to use "rusty old ladders" in some locations, which he believed was embarrassing and off-putting for potential users.

Did Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) support the Waxi service?

According to the operator, TfGM did not provide sufficient support. While TfGM acknowledged the potential of water transport, they emphasized the need for sound business cases and customer demand. The operator felt that TfGM was reluctant to fund the necessary infrastructure, which he equated to essential bus shelters and stops.

Are there other water-based transport or tour options in Manchester?

Yes, Manchester offers sightseeing river cruises, such as the 'City River Tour', which explores Salford Quays and the Manchester Ship Canal. There are also services like the 'Boat to Old Trafford' that cater to specific events, demonstrating the potential for niche water transport solutions.

What is the future outlook for water transport in Manchester?

Despite the Waxi service's closure, there is continued belief in the potential of Manchester's waterways for transport. Local authorities are seeking new funding for essential infrastructure, and the city's extensive canal network offers opportunities for future development, provided that robust planning, investment, and integration are prioritised.

What lessons can be learned from the Waxi service failure?

The failure highlights the critical need for adequate infrastructure, strong partnerships with transport authorities, and viable business models for any new transport service. It underscores that innovation alone is not enough; practical implementation and consistent support are crucial for success.

In conclusion, the story of Waxi is a stark reminder that even with a clear vision and a desire to innovate, the success of public transport relies heavily on essential infrastructure and collaborative support from governing bodies. Manchester's waterways may yet see the return of passenger services, but the lessons learned from Waxi's grounding will undoubtedly shape future endeavours.

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