An Uber app is seen on an iPhone.
Credit: Reuters
The often controversial Uber livery service is about to set sail in Boston.
Uber said on Tuesday that it is launching UberBOAT in the Hub starting on Wednesday.
The boat service starts Wednesday and lasts through June 15, according to a post on Uber’s blog. Through the company’s app, users can request a water taxi on their phone. The water taxis are run by Boston Harbor Cruises.
When users are in a quarter-mile of Boston Harbor, the UberBOAT option will appear on their map. Users can then select the nearest dock, from the Seaport and downtown to Charlestown and East Boston, and request a water taxi.
A one-way trip costs $10, plus a $1 booking fee and 20 percent gratuity that will be automatically added.
The service is available from 6:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. except Sundays when it is available until 8 p.m. The company also said it expects demand to be high, “so your patience is appreciated.”
UberBOAT service has also been available in cities including San Francisco and Sydney, Australia.
Follow Michael Naughton on Twitter @metrobosmike.
