The Alexandria City Council has decided to allow the Potomac Riverboat Company to begin operating its water taxi commuter service a half-hour earlier at 6 a.m. instead of 6:30 a.m.

The decision came after what the council said was a successful change to hours of operation during the Metro platform improvement project.

A major concern expressed by Council member Del Pepper in the past has been more congestion in nearby parking lots, but officials found that about 85% of commuters walk or bike to the water taxi, making the decision easy.

“I think it’s a great idea. The more ways we can find to get people off our cement streets, the better,” said Council member Del Pepper.

A resident in the area came out to support the change, saying the new hours will help her get to work on time.

“I’m an avid user, I use the bike paths and the bus system on both sides to get from Alexandria to the Navy Yard,” she said.

The water taxi service will resume March 1st.