Water Taxi Statistics By Market Size and Fact
Updated · Feb 24, 2025
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Editor’s Choice
- Water Taxi Market Size By Region
- Water Taxi Market Size By Market.us
- Employment in Japan’s Water Transport Industry
- Water Taxi Sailings
- King County Water Taxi: Ridership Growth & Expansion Plans
- Technological Advancements
- Urban Integration And Infrastructure Development
- Environmental And Economic Impact
- Challenges And Future Outlook
- Conclusion
Introduction
Water Taxi Statistics: Water taxis have become an important means of transportation in many coastal cities across the globe, representing effective and scenic alternatives to traditional land modes. The growth in the global water taxi market in 2025 was bolstered by urban congestion, tourist-related demand, and improvements in environmentally friendly transport solutions.
This article will indicate the Water taxi statistics and its market growth trends.
Editor’s Choice
- The North American water taxi market is valued at USD 17.61 billion, driven by high demand in cities such as New York, San Francisco, and Toronto, where ferry services and electric taxi investments are increasing.
- The European water taxi market is estimated at USD 10.29 billion, with significant activity in cities like Venice, Amsterdam, and London, including the rise of Uber’s motorboat taxis in Venice.
- The Middle East & Africa (MEA) market is valued at USD 1.40 billion, with key investments in Dubai, Egypt, and South Africa supporting growth.
- King County Water Taxi reported a 55% increase in ridership on the Vashon-Seattle route from 2023 to 2024, primarily due to new midday sailings, which accounted for 30% of total ridership.
- The midday sailings were funded by a USD 3.17 million state appropriation, with an additional USD 4.77 million under consideration for continued operation despite financial constraints from lower gas-tax revenues.
Water Taxi Market Size By Region
(Reference: maximizemarketresearch.com)
- North America – The primary market for water taxis, valued at USD 17.61 billion, driven by advanced water transport infrastructure in cities like New York, San Francisco, and Toronto. Investments in electric water taxis are growing, with ferry services like NYC Ferry and Washington State Ferries expanding their reach.
- Europe – A significant market, valued at USD 10.29 billion, with high demand in cities such as Venice, Amsterdam, and London. In 2024, Uber introduced a motorboat taxi service in Venice, providing an alternative to traditional gondolas. Electric water taxis are being explored in France, Germany, and the UK to reduce carbon emissions.
- Asia-Pacific – Rapid advancements in the water taxi industry have led to a market value of USD 6.07 billion. Increasing urbanization and congestion in megacities have driven demand, with India launching electric water taxi services in 2024. The Kochi Water Metro in India serves over 150,000 passengers daily, and ferry services in Singapore and Hong Kong continue to expand.
- South America – The water taxi market is valued at USD 1.57 billion, with growing demand in coastal cities like Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, and Santiago. Government-backed infrastructure projects and increasing tourism contribute to moderate growth in the region.
- Middle East and Africa – The smallest but fast-growing market, valued at USD 1.40 billion. Dubai leads in water-based transport with modern bras (water taxis) operating along Dubai Creek and Marina. Egypt and South Africa are also investing in ferry transport solutions.
Water Taxi Market Size By Market.us
- The global water taxi market is projected to grow from USD 344.0 billion in 2024 to USD 504.3 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 3.9% from 2025 to 2034.
- Europe leads the global water taxi market with a 36.3% market share in 2024, driven by its advanced maritime infrastructure and strong tourism sector.
- The yacht segment dominate the market by type in 2024, capturing 28.8% of the market share, primarily due to luxury and private travel demand.
- The up to 12 passengers segment holds the largest share in 2024, accounting for 63.4% of the market, making it ideal for short and private trips.
- The up-to-10-meter segment will secure 58.2% of the market share in 2024, valued for its agility in crowded urban waterways.
- The <30 feet boat category dominates by boat size in 2024, holding 41.2% of the market, preferred for its maneuverability in tight waterways.
- The European boating industry plays a crucial role in the market’s growth, with over 6 million boats, 36 million boaters, and more than 6,000 marinas. The sector is supported by 32,000 businesses, primarily SMEs, employing over 280,000 individuals.
- The introduction of 10,000 water taxis in Mumbai will connect suburban areas with the new airport, allowing passengers from Virar and Kalyan-Dombivli to reach the airport in 70 minutes, significantly reducing travel time and contributing to market expansion.
Employment in Japan’s Water Transport Industry
(Reference: statista.com)
- Water taxi statistics noted that Italy’s water transport industry reduced its employees by 2,342 in 2021, which is 5.64% less than the previous year.
- Indeed, it has been noted, among other things, that over the past two years, the number of employees working in this industry has been much greater than in the earlier years.
- An employee is someone who has a contract with an organization to work for it against payment that can be either in cash or in kind. This contract may be formal or informal and is usually entered into voluntarily by both parties.
Water Taxi Sailings
(Reference: vashonbeachcomber.com)
- Water taxi statistics show that King County Water Taxi showed healthy growth in passenger counts along the Vashon-Seattle route between 2023 and 2024, where the passenger count grew from 44,945 in 2023 to 69,470 in 2024—a whopping 55% increase.
- A significant factor influencing this increase was midday sailings introduced on July 1, 2024. These midday trips, outlined in red on the chart, accounted for many ridership increases overall.
- In 2024, midday sailings were made up of 30% of the overall count of passengers, indicating much utilization and substantial contribution of midday trips to ridership demand increases.
King County Water Taxi: Ridership Growth & Expansion Plans
- According to Water taxi statistics, the Vashon-Seattle route saw an increase of 55% in the last six months of 2024 for King County Water Taxi use.
- Most of this growth is attributed to midday sailings, which started on July 1.
- Before the midday runs of four additional weekday trips, the route only was open for six round trips in the peak morning and evening commute hours for an average travel time of less than two hours per day.
- According to the Water taxi statistics by King County Metro, total ridership from July to December 2024 stands at more than 69,000 rides compared to less than 45,000 during the same period in 2023.
- More than 21,000 of these additional trips came from the newly added midday sailings. The increase indicates a real demand for expanded service as residents of the island have made use of more travel options.
- This midday service was funded through a state appropriation of US$3.17 million, which will expire on June 30, 2025.
- For funding support up to the 2025-2027 biennium, an additional US$4.77 million was proposed by Gov. Jay Inslee in his transportation budget.
- If given the green light, this funding and what is available will potentially run midday sailings for another two years.
- Water taxi statistics state that state lawmakers, however, are facing budget problems with the latest transportation revenue forecast low by 8% in comparison to projections based on 2022 since more and more drivers turn to electric vehicles to avoid the gas taxes.
- While funding uncertainties abound, advocates for ferry service from Vashon remain optimistic that their new governor, Bob Ferguson, will prioritize Washington State Ferries (WSF) improvements to the benefit of ferry-dependent communities like Vashon.
- In this scenario, key legislators such as Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon and Rep. Emily Alvarado continue to advocate for investments in marine transit. There are also renewed efforts to revive passenger-only ferry service from Vashon to the mainland.
- Islanders for Ferry Action has engaged the marine transit consultant Peter Phillips to look into the feasibility of a new “Circle Route” connecting Vashon to downtown Seattle and Des Moines on a potential weekend and nighttime service.
- Also, State Rep. Greg Nance has been proposing the “Mosquito Fleet Act,” which may make available US$25 to US$40 million in grants for passenger-ferry projects, including financing for new routes such as Vashon-Seattle-Des Moines.
Technological Advancements
- Technological innovations have surely aided the growth of the water taxi industry.
- The electric and hybrid vessels were introduced to combat environmental concerns and improve operational efficiency.
- Water taxi statistics indicate that in Mumbai, electric water taxis were launched in December 2024, connecting the Gateway of India to Belapur.
- Each taxi carries 24 passengers, attains a speed of 12 nautical miles per hour, and can cover a distance of one hour on battery. Instead of using traditional fuel, these taxis are completely reliance-free.
Urban Integration And Infrastructure Development
- Water taxi statistics reveal that water taxis have been recognized worldwide as a means to further urban mobility. In Mumbai, the plan was to introduce 10,000 water taxis to connect remote suburbs to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport.
- This project intends to cut travel time to less than 70 minutes, providing a viable alternative to congested city roadways.
- The Uber motorboat taxi service was kicked off in Venice in July 2024 and is operational throughout the year, with charges ranging from €120 to €150 for the six-passenger boats that have longer-distance options, including transfers to the airport and islands nearby.
Environmental And Economic Impact
- Electric and hybrid water taxis are positively impacting the reduction of carbon emissions toward environmental sustainability.
- This way, the economically sustainable growth of water taxi services has provided employment opportunities along with tourism development.
- Integrating water taxis into existing urban transport networks has subsequently eased the burden on traditional road and rail systems, thus fostering more equitable and resilient urban mobility solutions.
Challenges And Future Outlook
- Water taxi statistics state that another challenge to consider in the water taxi industry’s performance is a regulatory environment, infrastructure development costs, and relatively established competition with other modes of transportation.
- Yet, water taxis are considered properly positioned because of the growing demand for sustainable and efficient urban transportation solutions.
- Investments in technology, infrastructure, and policy support are the way to harness the complete potential of water taxis in the years to come.
Conclusion
According to Water taxi statistics, this year has thus far proven to be earth-shaking in the growth of the global water taxi industry, marked by growth, innovation, and integration into urban transport systems. Water taxis provide a viable and sustainable alternative as cities continue to grapple with congestion and environmental concerns.
Onward, technological advancement and an enabling policy environment shall ensure that the water taxi industry continues its growth and remains a significant contributor toward urban mobility in the future.
Sources
FAQ.
Urban congestion heightened tourism demands, environmentally friendly transportation alternatives, and investments in electric and hybrid vessels across major cities throughout the world will drive growth in the water taxi market in 2024.
North America leads in this regard with a US$17.61 billion market and infrastructure in New York, San Francisco, and Toronto. Europe ranks second with US$10.29 billion due to high demand from cities like Venice and Amsterdam, while Asia-Pacific is picking up fast, with Mumbai, Singapore, and Hong Kong increasing services.
King County Water Taxi experienced a ridership increase of 55% between 2023 and 2024 in the Vashon-Seattle route due to the introduction of new midday sailings. These new trips accounted for 30% of the ridership and this led to increased demand for the service overall.
Technological innovations, such as the advent of electric and hybrid vessels, have aided the water taxi segment. In December 2024, Mumbai launched electric water taxis as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fuel option boats, enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability.
The water taxi industry faces challenges such as regulations, infrastructure development expenses, and competition from well-established modes of transport. Nevertheless, the increased demand for sustainable and efficient transportation options is setting up huge opportunities for water taxis to grow in the future.
Joseph D'Souza founded Smartphone Thoughts in 2003 as a personal project to share his insights and experiences with tech gadgets. Over time, it has grown into a well-regarded tech blog, known for its in-depth smartphone reviews and app-related statistics. Joseph is dedicated to providing detailed, well-researched content, including statistics, facts, charts, and graphs, all verified by experts. His goal is to make technological innovations and scientific discoveries easy to understand for everyone. Smartphone Thoughts is now a top source for tech news, appreciated by both tech enthusiasts and beginners.
