Global Marketing Solutions commissioned this brief feasibility study of waterborne transportation serving the City of New Smyrna Beach and the nearby waters of Ponce Inlet, Port Orange, Volusia County as a first step in the process of acquiring a unique system that will attract people to the region and make it easy for both visitors and residents to visit multiple destinations, without adding to the congestion on the region’s roadways.  As operated previously, a waterborne transportation system would:

 Connect points of interest with fast, efficient, and comfortable water taxis that would give riders a unique perspective of New Smyrna Beach and adjacent waterways;

- Give residents and visitors increased access to the waters of New Smyrna Beach, Ponce Inlet, Port Orange, Volusia County and neighboring cities;

- Provide an easy way for visitors staying at hotels around the Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Shores, Ponce Inlet, Port Orange and New Smyrna Beach areas to visit waterfront restaurants and other attractions without the need to drive;

- Provide a unique attraction that brings additional visitors to the New Smyrna Beach area without adding to the current traffic congestion;

- Increase business at local restaurants and attractions by making it possible to get to them without getting in a car;

Integrate with other transportation improvements (Ponce Inlet Excursions)  to improve access around and across New Smyrna Beach, Ponce Inlet, Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Shores, Port Orange, and Volusia County;

- Enhance regional economic development.

Based on the analysis performed for this study, it appears that there is sufficient interest and likely sufficient ridership to make such a service feasible.

   Keeping this tradition in the City of New Smyrna would:

Allow  continued revenue to the City of New Smyrna with zero further investment, zero management responsibilities and zero cost to the city.

Allow participating properties and residents in New Smyrna Beach and neighboring cities additional transportation options.

Allow increased revenue to local restaurants, attractions and lodging establishments.

Facilitate transportation to Volusia County Marine Discovery Center and the Ponce De Leon Lighthouse in Ponce Inlet, 5 waterfront restaurants, in Ponce Inlet – Lighthouse Landing Restaurant & Raw Bar, Inlet Harbor Restaurant and Down The Hatch, Wilbur By The Sea – The Boondocks, Rose Bay/Port Orange – Hidden Treasure Restaurant.

Include discount advantages from Ponce Inlet Excursions that will provide each ticket purchase with over $50.00 in discounts from all participating attractions/restaurants in Ponce Inlet.

The City of New Smyrna’s only responsibility would be to continue to provide overnight dockage and parking for patrons.