The Erie-Western PA Port Authority (EWPPA) will once again provide water taxi service connecting downtown Erie to Presque Isle beginning in May 2025. The EWPPA will contract with JettyLight LLC to provide passenger service connecting Dobbins Landing and the Presque Isle Ferry Dock starting May 23, 2025.
Water taxi service in Presque Isle Bay has been dormant since 2019 due to a variety of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic and difficulties locating a Captain with the required certifications to staff the service. JettyLight, based in Galveston, TX, responded to a request for proposals released by the EWPPA in January, 2025.
Julie Slomski, Executive Director of the EWPPA, said “We are excited to work with Jettylight on this important community service for Erieites and visitors to our community. With their considerable expertise in maritime service and their interest in working with us to develop local partnerships, we are confident that JettyLight will grow and strengthen Water Taxi operations over the coming years.”
JettyLight is owned and operated by 20-year Coast Guard veteran Capt. Jim Andrews. The firm operates commercial passenger services in several locations around the country including Cascade Locks, OR and Philadelphia, PA.
Jim Andrews, the CEO of JettyLight said, “We at JettyLight are beyond excited to help the incredible team at the Erie-Western PA Port Authority reconstitute the Presque Isle Water Taxi this summer. Our company was built around delivering exceptional value at the intersection of entertainment and water transportation. This new incarnation of the Presque Isle Water Taxi is the ideal project for us to partner with the vibrant lakefront community of Erie. We can’t wait to get started.”
The EWPPA will provide use of two Port-owned vessels, Aquabus I and Aquabus II, each of which can carry 35 passengers, have ramps to promote ADA accessibility, and can accommodate bicycles and strollers. JettyLight will work with partners including Presque Isle State Park to promote and connect the water taxi service with other transportation services such as the EMTA’s Presque Isle Express shuttle service.
Matthew Greene, manager of Presque Isle State Park, said “One of the best things about Pennsylvania State Parks is that they are free and open to all visitors. What our partners at the Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority are doing, by bringing back the water taxi, is removing barriers to access for not only out of town tourists, but our communities in and around the downtown area. This project helps us in our efforts to make sure the wonders of Presque Isle State Park are accessible for all visitors to enjoy.”
Additional details about scheduling and fares will be made available via the EWPPA website at www.porterie.org in May 2025.
