Murphy's on the Water offered HRM its boating services if it's wanted. (Murphy's on the Water)

Murphy's On The Water has offered its services to ferry people across Halifax harbour during the Metro Transit strike.

A spokesperson for the tour boat company said it would only start the service if it gets an official request from Halifax Regional Municipality.

The regular ferries have been docked since the strike started more than three weeks ago.

"You'd want to know how much they need it, the number of trips expected. We'd have to get our staff ready," said Angela Mallick, director of marketing for the company.

"So we'd like to know for sure this is something the city really needs. We really want to help out because there are a lot of people who need to get to work that are having problems. Some of our own staff can't get to work."

The boats could dock at Cable Wharf on the Halifax side and near Alderney Landing in Dartmouth.

There is no word on the price of a ticket, but Mallick said Murphy's would not try turning a profit, just cover its costs.

The company realizes some people may see the move as union busting, she said.

"Basically we would hope that the majority of people who live in Halifax would understand that it's really just something to help everyone that's been struggling out," Mallick said.

Not everyone likes the idea.

"Obviously I'm not going to support it at this time, but it hasn't happened yet so let's not get ahead of ourselves," said Ken Wilson, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union local 508.

Murphy's would likely require approval from Transport Canada but Mallick said the service could be ready to go with just a couple of days notice.

The union made a counter offer to Metro Transit director Eddie Robar on Monday afternoon, after members rejected Halifax Regional Municipality's offer Friday by 78 per cent.