Hingham Commuters Urge MBTA GM To Keep Ferry Service

South Shore commuters got their chance to meet MBTA GM Jon Davis Friday morning at the Hingham Shipyard and express their concerns with the

Although Davis took the time to greet hundreds of commuters and speak with many of them, he made it clear that a final decision has not been made on the proposed ferry service cuts.

“We have some tough decisions to make in the next couple months,” Davis said. “In order to balance our budget, nothing has been decided at this point and we appreciate hearing from all of our customers.”

Davis said a decision will likely be made by April and the final decisions to the MBTA’s rate and service structure will not go into effect until July 1.

“Right now we can not afford the transportation system we do have," Davis said. "We look at where we could provide more service, and perhaps where we could redirect service somewhere else.”

While Davis was at the Shipyard, commuters urged him to keep the ferry service in place and explained to him that it provides a reliable, convenient and safe route to downtown Boston.

Linda Marshall, a Hingham commuter, shook hands with Davis and expressed how much the ferry service means to her.

“I told him how important this was to people in the area,” Marshall said. “This whole development (Hingham Shipyard)  has been based on the commuter boat.  This is a safe alternative way to get into Boston.  It’s a healthier way.  It’s green; People leave their cars and aren’t driving in.”

Marhshall also explained to Davis how she likes the fact that she can go out for fresh air on the commuter boat. Marshall is sensitive to certain smells and the scent of perfume or cologne can make her sick. Being able to get fresh air on her way home is one major reason why she prefers the boats over the trains.

Mike Dwyer, another Hingham commuter explained how significant the open space on the commuter boats is to the working community. He pointed out to Davis, that commuters could use their iPads and laptops on the boats, something that is impossible to do on the trains. 

Dwyer was pleased by the number of commuters who addressed their concerns with Davis.

 “When you see a ton of people come out, it shows that this is something people care a good deal about,” he said.

Crystal Farrar, another South Shore commuter, explained to Davis that the ferries are the most reliable on-time transit service in Boston.

State Rep. Garrett Bradley (D-Hingham), State Senator Robert Hedlund (R-Weymouth), Selectman Laura Burns and Town Administrator Ted Alexiades and members of Samuels & Associates and Avalon Bay Community also spoke with Davis and showed him the impact the commuter boats has on all of the new developments that have been made in the last few years.

Leslie Cohen the Senior Vice President of Samuel & Associates stressed the importance of the ferry service to the new condos being built at the Shipyard.

“That’s one thing that public transportation generates- is the economic vitality of the communities that it serves,” Davis explained at the end of his visit.

Rep. Bradley made sure Davis knew how import the ferry service is to Hingha. He shared a story with Davis of how he grew up in Hingham and would always sit in traffic on Route 3 on his way to BC High School.

After the MBTA GM’s visit, Selectman Burns said she believes he was incredibly open to listening to the people.

“The T doesn’t want these cuts any more than we do .. we want to work with them to solving their big problem,” she said.

Local residents who were not present today, can address the MBTA at a public town meeting at the Hingham Town Hall on Feb 8 at 6 p.m.

The MBTA will be in Hingham next Wednesday.. If you could ask them one question, what would it be?? Tell us in the Comments below.