Council directs staff to advance ferry-system exploration with West Coast Inland Navigation District

The Venice City Council voted to direct staff to schedule a formal agenda item to explore establishing a ferry system in partnership with the West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND). The motion to place the concept on a future agenda passed with a recorded vote of 5-2.

Public works director Vivian Conardi told the council the proposal would include four designated ferry stops at nearby marinas, a specially developed drop-off basin for boarding, and on-island mobility provided by contracted golf-cart shuttle services. Staff recommended a feasibility study in partnership with WCIND, identification of funding opportunities and cost-sharing models, stakeholder engagement (marine operators, local businesses and residents), and preliminary vendor discussions for the golf-cart shuttle.

Council asked whether ferry routes would interfere with existing bridge operations and whether the program would generate revenue; staff said the ferry stops would not interfere with bridge openings and that funding, fares and revenue models would be outlined in follow-on formal presentations. Staff said the ferries would carry pedestrians only and that golf carts would transport passengers on the island (they would not be carried on the vessel). Council instructed staff to place the proposal on a future agenda for formal action and study.