Edwards Secures Key Improvements for Winthrop and East Boston Ferry

Special to the Transcript

With spring ferry service set to resume next week, State Senator Lydia Edwards is highlighting a series of key advancements that will improve reliability and accessibility for residents of East Boston and Winthrop.

Beginning this season, all MBTA ferry routes will feature contactless payment, making boarding faster and more convenient for riders. These upgrades come as a part of a broader set of investments and policy changes championed by Senator Edwards to strengthen ferry service across the region.

“Ferry service is a critical mode of transportation for our coastal communities,” said Senator Edwards. “These improvements reflect our commitment to making commutes faster, more reliable, and more accessible for all, especially working families in East Boston and Winthrop.”

Spring Ferry Schedule Start Dates

East Boston Ferry

• Weekday service begins Monday, March 30

• Weekend service Begins Saturday, April 4

Winthrop Ferry

• Weekday service begins Monday, April 27

• Weekend service begins Saturday, May 23

Delivering Results for Ferry Riders

Senator Edwards has made ferry service a top priority, securing significant investments and policy wins in the FY26 budget and beyond, including: • Service Expansion Planning: Co-sponsored a provision directing the MBTA to study the cost and feasibility of expanding ferry service hours and adding new stops, including Liberty Plaza in East Boston, while requiring detailed ridership reporting to the Legislature. • Infrastructure Investment: Secured $1.5 million for the planning and construction of a new ferry dock in the East Boston Designated Port Area • Improved Winthrop Service added two ferry boats to the Winthrop/Quincy line, cutting commute times in half and introducing a long-awaited direct route between Boston and Winthrop. • Ferry Shuttle Service: Delivered $50,000 for a Winthrop ferry shuttle service to better connect residents and reduce congestion. Transforming Ferry Service in Winthrop In partnership with local leaders and residents, Senator Edwards has helped transform ferry service in Winthrop by: • Adding an airport stop • Adding weekend service • Transitioning operations to the MBTA, saving Winthrop over $100,000 a year • Cutting commute times to and from Boston from approximately 50 mins to 20 mins • Securing a dedicated ferry boat, the Harbor Gem • Launching a seasonal shuttle to manage traffic • Continuing to advocate for year-round service and fare equity “These investments are about more than just transportation – they’re about equity and access,” Edwards added. “We’re building a ferry system that truly works for our communities.” For more information on ferry schedules, visit mbta.com/schedules/ferry. To learn more about contactless payments, visit mbta.com/fares/charlie/tap-ride.