WASHINGTON ( CNN ) -- While nearly all maritime activity on the Potomac River will be halted on Inauguration Day , a handful of Mall-goers will sail from Virginia to Washington on water taxis . Some people will cross the Potomac River via water taxi on Inauguration Day . Working closely with the United States Coast Guard , the Potomac Riverboat Company , based in Alexandria , Virginia , plans to ferry up to 3,200 passengers from across the frigid Potomac on seven climate-controlled boats . The service is partially a response to the closure of all bridges from Virginia to D.C. on Inauguration Day , a measure that prompted an uproar among Virginia residents . According to maritime authorities in charge of the region , PRC is the only company being allowed to taxi across the river on the 20th . `` Because the taxi service provided us with a security plan that we examined and deemed adequate to provide good security , I granted them a waiver to operate at an increased security level , '' National Capitol Region Port Captain Brian Kelley says . `` The taxis are going to operate on a strict schedule and a strict route . '' The Coast Guard established a temporary security zone on waterways in the National Capitol Region , stepping up restrictions day-by-day leading up to 11 p.m. on January 19 . At that point , all vessels must be docked and only boats with an approved sail plan will be allowed to operate . John Lake , a ship captain and the general manager of the company , said the sail plan he submitted was approved only a week ago and details nearly every move taxis will make . `` All the departures are scheduled times . And those departures are supposed to leave on-time , '' Lake said . `` We have to call in on each departure to the Coast Guard , let them know we 're preparing to get under way , and get the permission , basically , to get under way . '' The boats depart the Alexandria Marina for the 40-minute trip beginning around 6 a.m. and must be docked on the southwest D.C. shore by 10 a.m. From there , it 's a cold , mile-long walk to the Mall , so Lake has some advice for passengers . `` Show up early to get through the security check and dress warm , '' he said . `` It 's going to be nice and toasty on the boat , but not so much outside . '' Return trips , tentatively scheduled for around 6 p.m. , are not allowed to depart D.C. until after the inaugural parade events have concluded and President Obama is secured . In keeping with the Coast Guard 's security measures , Lake says all passengers must arrive at least an hour early for a full screening . Passengers that want to stay in D.C. after the early evening departures will have to find other transport back across the Potomac . PRC Vice President Charlotte Hall says tickets went on sale Monday and the initial response from customers has been enthusiastic .
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