RiverLink Schedule released; DRWC reiterates intentions to launch water taxis

The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation released the RiverLink’s schedule in a press release today, and announced official plans to incorporate its small fleet of water taxis into “a comprehensive marine transportation service.” The DRWC assumed control of the Ferry from the Delaware River Port Authority earlier this year. 

Regular service starts Memorial Day Weekend (May 22nd) and will continue through Labor Day (September 7th). The DRWC will run the RiverLink for three concerts before then, though, on May 10th, 15th and 16th.  Schedule details are below.

The DRWC says it will expand the RiverLink Ferry System this summer, using three 22-passenger water taxis that were purchased back in 2003 in addition to the 517-passenger Freedom. That said, the DRWC only said that the taxis will be used at “at select times throughout the season”; no further details were made available. Last year, the DRWC built three docks for the taxis near the Dave and Buster’s, Market Street and the Hilton Hotel, but did not launch operations using the taxis. 

“It is DRWC’s goal to provide a seamless connection to both sides of the Delaware River to further enhance visitor and resident experiences,” read the press release.

The DRWC is coordinating with the Coopers Ferry Partnership in Camden to market the RiverLink. Crossing the Delaware on the RiverLink takes a little under 30 minutes.

The Ferry will be operated by California-based Hornblower Services, which takes over from DC-based National Ferry Corporation. Hornblower sailed the ferry prior to National Ferry taking over a few years back. Ignoring the actual merits of either company or the contract details (unavailable at this time), PlanPhilly applauds picking Hornblower solely for all the infantile puns and C.S. Forester jokes we will be able to make going forward.  (The Tall Ships Philadelphia-Camden Festival will make for some great Napoleonic War gags; y’know, jokes everyone will get.)

SET SAIL AT FOUR BELLS, COMMANDER HORNBLOWER!

Starting Memorial Day (May 22nd) and running through labor day, the RiverLink will operate on it’s “regular” schedule: Monday to Thursday, from 10 AM to 6PM; On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from 10 AM to 7 PM.

During special events, such as concerts at Susquehanna Bank Center and the Tall Ships, the ferry will run more frequently.   

The RiverLink will also make a trio of early runs on May 10th, 15th and 16th  for concert-goers heading to Susquehanna Bank Center on the Camden Waterfront. The Ferry will run 3 hours before the posted door time and continue one hour after the concert. Those concerts are:

• May 10th: 8th Annual Radio 104.5 Birthday Show, featuring Passion Pit, Death Cab for Cutie and a handful of other bands that I’m unfamiliar with, which makes me wonder If I’m become lame.
• May 15th: Brad Paisley, who I assume goes by the moniker “Paisley” because of his insistent on only wearing clothes featuring the droplet fashion pattern.  
• May 16th: MMR*B*Q, where the only band I recognize is Stone Temple Pilots, confirming that I am, indeed, totally lame. Fun fact: both the RiverLink and STP debuted in 1992.

FAIR FARES FOR FERRY

Ticket prices remain unchanged from last year. $7 round-trip tickets for adults and most kids and $6 for seniors. Children under the age of four get to ride for free. Group rates and packages will be available.

For more information, visit www.riverlinkferry.com.