At 5:25 p.m. yesterday, Miss Pittsburgh, one-third full with 16 passengers, departed from the 23rd Street docks in the Strip District bound for PNC Park.

At 9 years old, the pontoon boat is no novice to the water, but her voyage yesterday was the first of many ferry trips Pittsburgh Cruise Lines has planned for remaining Pirates home games this season.

Many have tried and failed to establish regular water taxi service on Pittsburgh's rivers. Mark Schiller, vice president of operations for Pittsburgh Cruise Lines, is betting that steep parking prices near PNC Park and the opportunity to sip a drink on the river will attract customers.

Mr. Schiller's company has maintained a steady presence on the water for nine years, using the 49-passenger Miss Pittsburgh to shuttle fans to Steelers and University of Pittsburgh football games.

The new route starts ferrying passengers from Lockwall Marina at 23rd Street in the Strip District two hours before game time. It travels downriver to the wooden docks near Lincoln at North Shore -- steps from PNC Park. The service caters to residents in the Cork Factory Lofts in the Strip District, who can easily walk to the marina.

A round-trip ticket costs $6, one-way $4. Soft drinks are served on board for $1, and alcoholic beverages are $2. And, if you get there before the crowds, parking nearby is free.

"You really can't beat this," said Pat Fabian, 32, while sipping a beer on board. "For $6 you can ride the boat and park for free ... it's ideal."

Mr. Fabian and his wife, Jill, were the first customers to arrive (and consequently won passes to ride the boat for free all summer). He plans on bringing five of his buddies from their Kittanning Township home for tomorrow's game.

Steve and Mary Zugell of Lincoln Place enjoyed the ride so much they didn't get off the boat when it arrived outside the stadium. Drinks are cheaper on board, Mr. Zugell said, so why get off early?

In the summer of 2006, Pittsburgh Cruise Lines operated the Port of Pittsburgh's water taxi service with government subsidies in the final year of a three-year trial program.

As gasoline prices continue to rise, if the demand is there, Mr. Schiller hopes to run a taxi service as a private venture.

For now, though, the company is focusing on boosting ridership for its new baseball service. The ferry made six trips last night, carrying about 100 people total.

"We figure it's a good start," Mr. Schiller said. "We can always improve and always do better, but we'll take this for the first night."

Chris Folio, 49, of Irwin, had his arm resting outside the window as Miss Pittsburgh departed for the stadium. Several cities, like Annapolis, Md., and Baltimore, have water taxis, Mr. Folio said. "It's about time we got one here in Pittsburgh."