An Auckland water taxi company has an idea to reduce congestion in Tauranga and the wider area

The Local Democracy Reporting service reports Hauraki Express is on the brink of getting the all clear from local councils to build two ferries.

They'd run from Salisbury Wharf in downtown Mount Maunganui to Tauranga city centre, and could be built next year.

Hauraki Express director Peter Bourke says it would cost around six dollars, one way.

He says it compares pretty well with public transport, and the cost of parking and running a car.