As the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) prepares for the 2016 edition of the Miami International Boat Show and its move to Miami Marine Stadium Park & Basin, organisers report that planning for transportation, parking and traffic are top priorities.
NMMA, in conjunction with the City of Miami, has constructed comprehensive parking and transportation plans spanning water taxis, shuttles, public transportation access, VIP and valet parking, and ample public parking options to accommodate boat show attendees and exhibitors, of which the water taxi plan makes it possible to transport up to 25,000 people to the event each day by water. Furthermore, the City of Miami recently hired a third party consultant, Kimley Horn, to conduct a thorough traffic study to gain a better understanding of the most efficient and effective means of getting vehicles on and off Rickenbacker Causeway while keeping traffic flowing at all major intersections leading to the Causeway.
The traffic plan, coupled with the parking and transportation plans, creates one of the most efficient transportation efforts in the boat show’s 74-year history. Highlights of the plans include 10,000 parking spaces in downtown Miami, with shuttle and water taxi service directly to the show; Water taxi service to the show at locations in convenient points throughout Miami, and an additional 3,800 pre-paid parking spaces on Virginia Key, adjacent to the show.
“Transportation is a critical component of building a successful new show as it ensures a smooth process for everything from parking and traffic to crowd flow,” stated Thom Dammrich, president of the NMMA. “We have hired the best team in the business to implement the plan, with extensive knowledge of Miami Dade traffic and residents’ transportation habits, who have thought of every conceivable transportation issue and opportunity. We are especially excited about how easy it will be to take a water taxi to and from the boat show from numerous locations all around Miami—what better way for boaters to get to a boat show.”
Alice Bravo, Deputy City Manager for the City of Miami says, “From extensive parking options to water taxis and shuttles, getting to the boat show will be easier and more hassle-free than it has been in the event’s history.”
Source : http://www.superyachttimes.com/editorial/52/article/id/14384
