MBTA Begins Ferry Operations

By Adam Swift

Town officials are urging local commuters to use the Winthrop Ferry, which is now being operated by the MBTA.

Last month, Town Manager Tony Marino announced that the MBTA had entered a two-year agreement with the town to operate the ferry, with options to operate it in the following years.

At last week’s town council meeting, Precinct 5 Councilor Joseph Aiello praised Marino for his work in finalizing the agreement with the MBTA.

“As we all know, they are not an easy organization to work with, but he stayed with it,” said Aiello. “I think it is tremendous, not just for the mobility during the (Sumner) tunnel shutdown, but I think for permanent mobility for the town,” said Aiello.

The Sumner Tunnel will be closed seven days per week through the end of August. As part of transportation mitigation efforts, the Blue Line will be free through the summer, and ferry fares will be $2.40 one way.

Independent of the tunnel closure, Aiello noted that there will only be more traffic congestion in the region, especially as Suffolk Downs gets built up and potential development comes to the McClellan Highway.

“It’s going to be more and more of a struggle to get out of this town for those who want to, to get to the Blue Line, and to get to East Boston,” said Aiello. “So having the ferry is very much going to be a lifesaver, and I think it’s important to get the word out and have people start using it … because we have a two-year deal with a couple of options, one of which is to turn it into a permanent MBTA-run facility.”

But if usage is low for the ferry service, Aiello said the MBTA could return the operation to the town.

“So we really are on a trial period and we really want to encourage utilization of that, particularly during the $2.40 period,” said Aiello.

The councilor added that Marino is now working on getting access to the M-ticket or the ferry, which is the same ticket used on the commuter rail.

Marino said the town will continue to have biweekly meetings with the MBTA to address ticketing, weekend service, and any other issues that might come up concerning the ferry. 

As Aiello stated, Marino said it is key to get out word about the ferry and to keep ridership numbers up.

“That’s really what is going to determine the future and make sure the numbers, the revenue versus the expenses, they’ve got to make sure they are either making money or are breaking even,” said Marino.