M-DOT will pay a consultant $50,000 to study the feasibility of a ferry service between Ocean Springs and Biloxi, Miss. until a new bridge is built. But Warren Strayham isn't waiting on the results of that study. He's launched his own water taxi service between Ocean Springs and Biloxi.
The Ocean Springs man thought about turning his pontoon boat into a water taxi before Katrina. Since the storm, he says the idea is more viable than ever.
"Especially with the bridge being out," Strayham said. "You're talking about quite a trip from Ocean Springs over to Biloxi. And instead of a 30 to 45 minute trip, this could be a 15 to 20 minute trip."
Strayham admits his business is slow getting started. He's making several trips a day, mainly for casino workers and tourists. 