In a bold move to enhance safety along the perilous Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Malibu, community leaders are launching an innovative water taxi service dubbed the “Blue Highway.” This initiative arises from a tragic history of fatalities on the highway, including the heartbreaking loss of Michelle Shane’s daughter in 2010, which has driven her relentless advocacy for safer transportation options. “We have been screaming for fixing PCH,” Shane declared, as she spearheads efforts to divert traffic from the dangerous roadways.
The plan involves two 100-passenger boats operating daily routes parallel to PCH, aiming to ease congestion and provide a safer alternative for residents and visitors alike. Councilwoman Halen Conrad, who has been vocal about the need for improved safety measures, emphasized the urgency of the project following recent closures due to fires and landslides. “Enough is enough,” she stated, rallying community support for this transformative venture.
Historical precedents exist for this concept; a similar water taxi service operated successfully in 1979 during a prolonged PCH closure. Now, over 40 years later, the community is ready to revive this crucial link. The proposed service, known as “Pier-to-Pier,” is set to connect Malibu Pier to Santa Monica Pier, with plans for future expansions to Marina del Rey and beyond.
Despite skepticism from some local business owners regarding the feasibility of the infrastructure needed, advocates remain undeterred. “This is not reinventing the wheel,” said Patricia Mhas, a key supporter of the initiative. “We need to utilize this great resource.”
As the clock ticks toward the 2028 World Cup and the LA Olympics, the urgency for a permanent coastal commute intensifies. “If we can take 20 or 30% of the congestion out of PCH, that is a major change,” Shane asserted. With plans for floating docks and public-private partnerships in the works, the community is poised to make a significant leap toward safer, more efficient travel along this iconic stretch of coastline. The time for action is now.