Chicago water taxi service resumes downtown weekdays

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The city's water taxis returned to the Chicago River after four months off. Customers lined up early Monday.

"It's an adventure. And I don't get to go on the river a lot," Anaka Riani, of Geneva, said.

The taxis stop at the Ogilvie Transportation Center, LaSalle Street and Michigan Avenue on weekdays. Peter Craig is on his way to work.

"I figured I was going to give it a shot and see what happens. And they showed up," he said. "The water taxi is the fastest ride from here to the train station bar none. Cheapest ride. Best in Chicago. as far as commuting is concerned."

Not bad for sightseeing, either.

"The last time I was out in Chicago was 10 years ago for work, and I saw the water taxis. But I never decided to take one," Shawn Mirpuri, of New Orleans, said. "I just looked it up online and found out today was the first day it starts, so I said, 'Why not?'"

"I'm kind of excited to get off and go somewhere I've never been before," Michael Babineaux, 12, of New Orleans, said.

Weekend service will resume in April with service to Chinatown. Then in May, weekday service to Chinatown and North Avenue will be offered.

The boats are in the river earlier this year than last, according to Captain Tom of Chicago Water Taxis.

For Chicago, it's a sign of spring on the river.