LTC 422-2020 Commuter Waterborne Transportation Service by Poseidon Ferry LLCDocuSign Envelope ID: 9110B9F9-BB8D-473F-A52C-FD86CA82658E
MIAMI B EA C H
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
NO. LTC# 422-2020 LETT ER TO C O M M ISSIO N
TO: Mayor Dan Gelber and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Jimmy L. Morales, City Manager
DATE: November 25, 2020
j¡DocuSigned by:
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SUBJECT: Commuter Waterborne Transportation Service by Poseidon Ferry LLC
The purpose of this L TC is to inform the City Commission of Poseidon Ferry LLC's launch of
commuter water ferry service between Miami Beach and downtown Miami anticipated for
November 29, 2020, using a double deck vessel with an air-conditioned lower deck. The service
is privately owned and operated with no public subsidy from Miami-Dade County, City of
Miami, or City of Miami Beach.
The service is intended to cater to commuters during morning and afternoon peak periods both
on weekdays and weekends and the proposed commuter fare structure is competitive with current
public transit fares ($3/passenger each way). The service is scheduled to operate 7 days a week
from approximately 6am-1 Opm Monday through Thursday, and 6am-8pm Friday through Sunday
with as many as 16 scheduled hourly departures from Miami Beach each day. The established
pick-up and drop-off locations are the Bentley Bay Condominium marina in South Beach and the
Hyatt Regency/James L. Knight Center marina in downtown Miami in proximity to the Knight
Center Metromover station. Poseidon is planning to add a second vessel in early 2021 which
would double the number of departures and provide a service frequency of approximately 30
minutes.
In Miami Beach, Poseidon explored various docking locations within and in proximity to the Miami
Beach Marina. Unfortunately, after almost a year of coordinating with the Miami Beach Marina
management, Poseidon was unable to secure docking rights at the marina. As an alternative,
Poseidon secured the Bentley Bay marina for vessel operation and retail space within the building
for a ticket office and passenger waiting area with restrooms.
Poseidon presented its proposed water ferry service operating plan to the City's Marine and
Waterfront Protection Authority (MWPA) on September 8, 2020 and responded to questions from
board members and the public. The water ferry item was continued by the MWPA to December
2020 to provide Poseidon time to secure the required permits and approvals. The proposed
service has received mixed feedback from some residents of the Bentley Bay Condominium; and
Poseidon is working closely with the Bentley Bay Condominium Association to address any
outstanding concerns with the upcoming service. In the meanwhile, Poseidon has secured Florida
Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) approval to use the existing dock at the Bentley
Bay marina on a temporary basis while the lease with the Bentley Bay marina is amended to allow
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L TC- Commuter waterborne transportation service by Poseidon
Novem ber 25, 2020
for permanent use of the dock. Poseidon will present its operating plan to MWPA in December.
In addition to the commuter ferry service, Poseidon is pursuing sightseeing and music cruises to
subsidize the commuter service. Based on information received from the County and Poseidon,
these recreational services will operate only on the City of Miami side and will not be arriving at
or departing from the Bentley Bay marina.
It is important to note that the City has no role in this private venture other than the
ministerial function of issuing a BTR once Poseidon has secured all required approvals.
As a condition of the issuance of its BTR, Poseidon agrees to follow all applicable federal, state,
and local laws, in addition to strictly adhering to those conditions set forth in its BTR and included
in Acknowledgment Letter. The intent of the Acknowledgment Letter is to ensure that
Poseidon's ferry service operation provides for a high level of safety and security of ferry
passengers and does not adversely affect the quality of life of residents in the
area (Attachment A).
From the standpoint of transit connectivity and parking, the Bentley Bay marina is strategically
located as it is in close proximity to the South Beach Trolley service, County regional bus service,
and the Alton Road/5" Street parking garage which can serve as a park-and-ride facility for the
proposed ferry service.
The proposed service aligns with City Commission Resolution No. 2019-30757 (Attachment B)
which recommends that the Administration pursue strategies to help mitigate traffic impacts and
ensure mobility for residents, visitors, and workforce employees during the construction of the
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) 1-395 Signature Bridge project and other active and
planned FOOT roadway projects in and around the City.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Attachment A: Acknowledgment Letter Attaehmaen R testion No. 2019-30757
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https://miamibeach-my.sharepoint.com/personal/m ilosmajstorovic_m iamibeachfl_gov/Documents/W aterborne/Poseidon Ferry/TC - Waterborne Transportation Service by Poseidon
November 2020.docx
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Attachment A
MIAMI BEACH
City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miomi Beach, Florida 33139, www .miamibeachfl.gov
OFFICE OF THE CITY ATTORNEY
Tel: 305-673-7470, Fax: 305-673-7002
November 25, 2020
Poseidon Ferry, LLC
400 SE 2° Avenue
Miami, FL 33131
Dear Sir or Madam:
This correspondence shall serve as an acknowledgment of those conditions included in the
Business Tax Receipt ("BTR") issued by the City of Miami Beach, Florida ("City") to Poseidon
Ferry, LLC ("Poseidon"), a Foreign Limited Liability Company, authorized to do business in the
State of Florida, and the City of Miami Beach, Florida.
Poseidon operates a privately owned water ferry commuter service between Miami Beach
(Bentley Bay Marina) and downtown Miami. As a condition of the issuance of its BTR, Poseidon
agrees to follow all applicable federal, state, and local laws (in addition to strictly adhering to those
conditions set forth in its BTR) in order to operate within the City's jurisdictional limits.
Consequently, the failure of Poseidon to comply with any of the conditions set forth below (and
as set forth in its BTR) will result in the City issuing a notice of violation to Poseidon, which shall
be subject to those enhanced penalties for any violation(s) of same, and may result in a
suspension and/or revocation of Poseidon's BTR.
1) Permits:
a) Poseidon shall secure all necessary approvals and permits for operation of such water
ferry service from all applicable agencies involved and shall maintain all permits in active
status and good standing.
2) Safety and security:
a) Poseidon shall provide security personnel on the ferry at all times during operational
hours;
b) Poseidon shall provide shore side personnel at all times during operational hours to assist
with securing the vessel, along with assisting and guiding passengers;
e) Poseidon shall ensure passenger queuing lines are closely monitored and shall not
obstruct pedestrian pathways along the public right-of-way.
3) Noise:
a) Poseidon shall comply with applicable State and local noise ordinances at all times.
4) Signage:
a) Poseidon shall install adequate directional signage for passengers upon Bentley Bay
Marina's property and/or the City's right-of-way. Prior to the installation of any signage on
the City's right-of-way, Poseidon must seek and obtain written approval from the City.
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5) Operation:
a) Poseidon shall communicate any changes in operating plan to the City's Transportation
and Mobility Department;
b) Poseidon shall report passenger statistics (number of persons boarding in Miami Beach
and the City of Miami respectively) to the City's Transportation and Mobility Department
on a monthly basis.
It is expressly agreed that nothing contained herein shall operate as a waiver or limitation of any
rights or remedies afforded to the City, whether conferred by this acknowledgment or pursuant to
law.
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA
~OocuSigned by:
•••
Jimmy L. Morales
City Manager
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
1700 Convention Center Drive, 4th Floor
Miami Beach, Florida 33139 .:
" I ATH/JRG/MM
POSEIDON FERRY, LLC
By:-----------
Print Name:
Title:
POSEIDON FERRY, LLC
400 SE 2" Avenue
Miami, FL 33131
Page 2 of2
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Attachment B
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-30757
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING
THE POTENTIAL TRAFFIC MITIGATION STRATEGIES
RECOMMENDED BY THE CITY ADMINISTRATION,
RECOMMENDING THAT THE ADMINISTRATION WORK
WITH MIAMI-DADE COUNTY AND THE FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO DEPLOY THE
POTENTIAL TRAFFIC MITIGATION STRATEGIES TO HELP
REDUCE THE TRAFFIC IMPACTS OF THE "CONNECTING
MIAMI" CONSTRUCTION PROJECT ON THE RESIDENTS,
VISITORS, AND WORKFORCE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI
BEACH; AND, REFERRING THE ITEM TO THE FINANCE
AND CITYWIDE PROJECTS COMMITTEE TO MONITOR
PROGRESS ON THE ISSUE AND DISCUSS RESULTS AND
IMPACTS.
WHEREAS, the I-395/SR 836/1-95 Project ("Connecting Miami") is a partnership
between the Florida Department of Transportation (FOOT) and the Miami-Dade
Expressway Authority (MDX), with construction limits on State Road (SR) 836 beginning
at NW 17 Avenue and continuing through the SR 836/1-395/1-95 (Midtown) Interchange
to the MacArthur Causeway Bridge; and
WHEREAS, the Connecting Miami Project commenced in Summer 2018 and is
anticipated to be completed by Fall 2023; and
WHEREAS, traffic impacts during the multi-year construction project due to
multiple and continuous lane and ramp closures and detours along 1-95, SR 836, and
1-395 are expected to adversely affect mobility for Miami Beach residents, visitors, and
workforce employees; and
WHEREAS, the City Administration recommends that various traffic mitigation
strategies be explored and deployed, in collaboration with FOOT and Miami-Dade
County, to reduce the impact of the construction of this major project on the Miami
Beach community; and
WHEREAS, the traffic mitigation strategies to be explored should include, but
not be limited to, the following:
1. Accelerate the implementation of the Beach Express North Bus Express
Rapid Transit (BERT) Demonstration Service and Route 150 (Airport
Express) modifications
2. Enhance service of the County Route "A"
3. Explore waiving tolls on the Venetian Causeway
4. Explore waterborne transportation service connecting Downtown Miami and
Miami Beach; and
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WHEREAS, the City Commission deems it advisable to refer this item to the
Finance and Citywide Projects Committee to monitor the Connecting Miami Project and
discuss results and impacts.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT DULY RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND THE
CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA that the Mayor and
City Commission hereby approve the potential traffic mitigation strategies
recommended by the Administration, recommend that the Administration work with
Miami-Dade County and the Florida Department of Transportation to deploy the
potential traffic mitigation strategies to help reduce the impact on mobility from the
construction of the Connecting Miami Project on the residents, visitors, and workforce
of the City of Miami Beach, and refer the item to the Finance and Citywide Projects
Committee to monitor progress on the issue and discuss results and impacts.
PASSED and ADOPTED this 13 day of March, 2019. ----
ATTEST:
Dan Gelber, Mayor
APPROVED AS TO
FORM & LANGUAGE
& FOR EXECUTION
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Resolutions - R7 G
MIAMI BEACH
C O MMISSION MEMORA NDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Jimmy L. Morales, City Manager
DATE: March 13, 2019
SUBJECT: A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE POTENTIAL TRAFFIC
MITIGATION STRATEGIES RECOMMENDED BY THE CITY
ADMINISTRATION, RECOMMENDING THAT THE ADMINISTRATION
WORK WITH MIAMI-DADE COUNTY AND THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION TO DEPLOY THE POTENTIAL TRAFFIC MITIGATION
STRATEGIES TO HELP REDUCE THE TRAFFIC IMPACTS OF THE
"CONNECTING MIAMI" CONSTRUCTION PROJECT ON THE RESIDENTS,
VISITORS, AND WORKFORCE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH; AND,
REFERRING THE ITEM TO THE FINANCE AND CITYWIDE PROJECTS
COMMITTEE TO MONITOR PROGRESS ON THE ISSUE AND DISCUSS
RESULTS AND IMPACTS.
RECOMMENDATION
The Administration recommends that the Mayor and City Commission approve the Resolution.
BACKGROUND
The I-395/SR 836/1-95 Project ("Connecting Miami") is a partnership between the Florida
Department of Transportation (FOOT) and the Miami-Dade Expressway Authority (MDX), with
construction limits on State Road (SR) 836 beginning at NW 17 Avenue and continuing through
the SR 836/1-395/1-95 (Midtown) Interchange to the MacArthur Causeway Bridge. The limits on
I-95 are from NW 8 Street to NW 29 Street.
Enhancements along I-395 are from the SR 836/1-95/1-395 (Midtown) Interchange to the
MacArthur Causeway, approximately 1.4 miles long. The project will completely reconstruct the
existing facility and create a signature bridge that will span 1,025 feet over NE 2 Avenue and
SR5/Biscayne Boulevard, redefining the Miami skyline with its six sweeping arches.
The project will create additional capacity on I-395 with a total of three (3) through lanes in each
direction and provide separate connector ramps for traffic to and from 1-95. The existing 1-395
eastbound off-ramps at NE 2 Avenue will be moved west to North Miami Avenue, and the
westbound on-ramps at NE 1 Avenue will be shifted to the west of North Miami Avenue. NW 2
Avenue will also be reconnected under 1-395, providing residents greater access.
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Mobility will be enhanced for residents, commuters and tourists by increasing capacity on SR
836, I-95 and 1-395. SR 836 will be double-decked to allow for a direct connection between SR
836 and 1-395.
The Connecting Miami Project commenced in Summer 2018 and is anticipated to be
completed by Fall 2023. Traffic impacts during the multi-year construction project due to
multiple and continuous lane/ramp closures and detours along 1-95, SR 836, and I-395 are
expected to adversely affect mobility for Miami Beach residents, visitors, and workforce
employees.
As an example, over the three (3) year period that the FOOT Alton Road Reconstruction
Project from 5 Street to Michigan Avenue was under construction (from April 2013 to March
2016), average daily traffic volumes on the MacArthur Causeway decreased by approximately
9% as compared to pre-construction volumes. In contrast, average daily traffic volumes on the
Julia Tuttle Causeway increased by approximately 7% (essentially, over 10,000 additional vehicles
per day on the already congested Julia Tuttle Causeway.
This magnitude of traffic diversion from one major arterial to another as a result of a major
roadway reconstruction project is not uncommon as these types of projects are known to
effectuate changes in traffic patterns not only temporarily during construction, but sometimes
permanently even after construction is over.
A N A LY S IS
The City of Miami Beach is concerned with the potential effects of the multi-year construction of
the Connecting Miami Project and recommends that various traffic mitigation strategies be
explored and deployed to ensure mobility for residents, visitors, and workforce employees
during the construction of this major project.
The traffic mitigation strategies to be explored should include, but not be limited to, the
following:
1. Accelerate the implementation of the Beach Express North Bus Express Rapid Transit
(BERT) Demonstration Service or Route 150 (Airport Express) Modifications.
The Miami-Dade County Strategic Miami Area Rapid Transit (SMART) Plan contains six (6)
Rapid Transit Corridors and nine (9) Bus Express Rapid Transit (BERT) routes for Miami-
Dade County. BERT service consists of enhanced branded buses operating limited stop
service on shoulders or dedicated transit lanes, where feasible, to reduce travel time and help
ensure service schedule reliability. Advancing the BERT routes to Miami Beach could help
mitigate the impacts of the Connecting Miami projects.
There are three (3) BERT routes that are proposed to connect the mainland to Miami Beach.
The Beach Express North BERT route will run from Golden Glades Multimodal Center to the
Miami Beach City Center area via the Julia Tuttle Causeway. The Beach Express Central
BERT route will run from the Miami Civic Center/Health District complex to the Miami Beach
City Center area via the Julia Tittle Causeway. The Beach Express South BERT route will run
from Downtown Miami to the Miami Beach City Center area via the MacArthur Causeway.
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Via a Resolution of the City Commission, the City of Miami Beach allocated funding in the
amount of $5.1 million for a 3-year Beach Express North BERT demonstration service using
the shoulders of the Julia Tuttle Causeway. The City's contribution is equally matched by
FDOT funds for the demonstration service.
As of December 5, 2018, FDOT has programmed funds for the design and construction of the
inside shoulders modifications needed to operate the BERT service on the Julia Tuttle
Causeway by 2022. A goal of all parties is to work toward implementation prior to the estimated
2022 completion date.
Additionally, the Administration is working with the County to potentially modify existing bus
routes (such as the Airport Express (Route 150)) to provide a connection to the Earlington
Heights Metrorail station (providing access to commuters from northwest Miami-Dade and west
Broward) and stop at Mt. Sinai and Fontainebleau, as an interim service enhancement. The goal
is to implement the interim service as part of the County's new service line-up in November
2019. Advancing a modified Route 150 could also help mitigate the traffic impacts of the
Connecting Miami Project.
2. Enhance service of the County Route "A"
The original Route A operated along the Venetian Causeway connecting Omni Station in
Miami and Washington Avenue/Lincoln Road area in Miami Beach. As a result of weight
restrictions imposed by the County on the Venetian Causeway bridges in 2014, the route and
service plan was modified and currently consists of limited service between Omni Station and
Sunset Harbour using smaller vehicles (cutaways), operating on a limited schedule of 7.5 hours
per day (7:00AM to 9:32AM and 2:00PM to 6:52PM). On a long term basis, the County's plan
is to reestablish the original Route A service plan when all the Venetian Causeway bridges are
reconstructed and allow for operation of regular bus service. In the meanwhile, the County does
not have any plans for enhancing the current service. Route A service enhancement was most
recently discussed by the City Commission in February 2018 and a Resolution was adopted by
the City Commission urging Miami-Dade County to reinstate, at no cost to the City of Miami
Beach, the original Route A service plan; however, no service improvements have been made
by the County.
Enhancing the Route A service could be a potential traffic mitigation strategy. Based on an
previous analysis conducted by staff in coordination with the County, the incremental cost of
restoring the original Route A service plan would be approximately $230,000/year for
approximately 11 hours of service per day from Monday to Sunday.
3. Explore waiving tolls on the Venetian Causeway
During previous construction projects on the City's causeways, at the request of the City, Miami-
Dade County has waived toll collection along the Venetian Causeway. This initiative has been
put into effect to improve capacity and mobility between Miami Beach and the mainland.
Waiving tolls on the Venetian Causeway can assist in reducing traffic demand on the MacArthur
Causeway which will be affected by the Connecting Miami Project. Further, this initiative could
help balance traffic volumes along the other causeways into the City and reduce the overall
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impact of the project. This measure would require prior approval by the Miami-Dade Board of
County Commissioners, thus, coordination with Miami-Dade County would be required if this
option is explored.
4. Explore waterborne transportation service connecting Downtown Miami and Miami Beach
The City's most recent solicitation for waterborne transportation services was issued in 2014
and resulted in only one (1) operator (Water Taxi Miami, Inc.) submitting a bid and ultimately
operating a one (1) year water taxi pilot program from December 30, 2016 to December 30,
2017, connecting the Purdy Avenue Dock, Sea Isle Marina, Bayside Marketplace, and Miami
Beach Marina. The original solicitation stipulated that the water taxi services shall be provided at
no cost to the City and for the operator to provide necessary infrastructure for the safe
operation, including docking facility, of the service. The water taxi pilot program with Water Taxi
Miami was terminated on December 30, 2017 and for various reasons, the pilot was not
deemed to be a practical, competitive, reliable, convenient, or financially viable operation.
A temporary water taxi service operating between Miami and Miami Beach could potentially help
mitigate the traffic impacts of the Connecting Miami Project. The same docks used during the
City's previous water taxi pilot program could be used for the temporary service. Establishing a
reliable water taxi service, albeit as a temporary traffic mitigation strategy, would likely require an
operating subsidy. Moreover, given a water taxi service would need to connect the cities of
Miami Beach and Miami, it is recommended that this option be explored in collaboration
with Miami-Dade County and current water taxi operators.
Active Work Zone Traffic Monitoring and Management
As part of the Connecting Miami Project, FDOT will deploy Active Work Zone Traffic Monitoring
and Management services along the affected project corridors. This initiative consists of
deploying cameras to monitor traffic conditions, wi-fi/Bluetooth devices to gauge travel time,
Variable Message Signs to disseminate real-time information on closures and incidents to the
motoring public, and Road Rangers to help clear incidents blocking travel lanes. This effort will
be managed by FOOT SunGuide Traffic Management Center and the same contractor that has
been providing Traffic Monitoring and Management Services for the City of Miami Beach for
over 4 years.
This initiative was utilized during the Alton Road Reconstruction Project between 5 Street and N.
Michigan Avenue and proved to be successful in reducing some of the congestion created by
the lane closures and detours. The implementation of Active Work Zone Traffic Monitoring and
Management for the FDOT Connecting Miami Project would extend the capabilities of the City's
current Traffic Monitoring and Management effort and planned Intelligent Transportation System
and Smart Parking System Project by enhancing the sharing of real-time traffic information,
traffic data, incident information, and other relevant items to assist in managing congestion and
help reduce spill-back onto City roads.
CONCLUSION
The construction of the $800 million Connecting Miami Project currently being undertaken in a
partnership between FOOT and MDX is expected to have a significant impact on mobility for
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Miami Beach residents, visitors, and workforce employees due to multi-year lane closures, ramp
closures, and detours on 1-95, 1-395, and SR 836.
The City is concerned with the anticipated impacts to mobility during project construction and
believes that the implementation of traffic mitigation strategies in collaboration with FOOT and
the County is essential to reduce the impact of the project on the Miami Beach community.
KE Y INTEN D ED O UTCO M ES SUPPO RTED
Ensure Comprehensive Mobility Addressing All Modes Throughout The City
Legislative Tracking
Transportation
Sponsor
Commissioner Mark Samuelian
ATTA CHM ENTS :
Description
Resolution
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