A RIVER based transport system could be at risk if summer visitors offer similar services, according to its operators.
The Conwy river taxi, which began in August 2010 and ferries passengers between marinas at Conwy and Deganwy, could be threatened if visiting boat owners provide taxi services of their own during peak seasons in the summer.
The consortium who operate the taxi, made up of North Wales Cruising Club, Conwy Yacht Club and Network Yacht Brokers Conwy, have been in talks with Conwy County Borough Council to find legal means to protect the service, but without violating competition law.
Rob Woodward, director of Network Yacht Brokers Conwy and member of Conwy’s river advisory committee, said “The concern is that without some form of protection, that needs to be council driven, the level of service offered by the river taxi will suffer.
“What’s on the table is how people can still come along and get involved if they want to, but protecting the people who can do it. If it’s lost it could cause all sorts of problems”
He added that other developments could also promote the service, including the dredging of the pontoons in Conwy, and the finalising of a landing stage outside Deganwy marina by the Crown Estates.
Wade Smith, who runs the service, was optimistic that the river taxi would survive.
He said “It doesn't really bother me to be honest. I don't put much significance on it, really. I haven't really felt very threatened, and hopefully I'll carry on as normal. Only time will tell.”
He added “I was surprised last summer by how busy I was. So hopefully it'll be okay.”