Politics & Government
Salem Makes Shortlist For Expanded Ferry Service
A study will determine which three of the 12 sites will be best able to support expanded ferry service.
SALEM, MA -- The Massachusetts Seaport Economic Council named Salem as one of 12 cities and towns being considered for new or expanded MBTA ferry service. The city currently has seasonal ferry service. In the next phase of the selection, the Boston Harbor Water Transportation Study will name three sites from the list of 12 that are most likely to have financially sustainable service.
"While our existing ferry service to Boston has proven to be a great success, we are confident that there is ample room for growth and an opportunity to expand this important service even further," Salem Mayor Kimberly Driscoll said in a statement. "Expanded water transportation options are not only important to our economic growth, they also help us reduce traffic and bolster our commitment to sustainability."
Salem currently has five round trips to Boston between May 20 and October 31 as part of the Boston Harbor Cruises' summer service.
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Salem was one of 30 dock sites around Boston Harbor studied to compare multi-modal access, existing infrastructure conditions, travel time savings, and demand from the surrounding market area. On the North Shore, continued North Shore services from Salem and Winthrop will be incorporated into an Inner Harbor circulator route, while Lynn will receive support for implementing a business plan for new ferry service from their Blossom Street Pier.
"Our administration believes that by partnering with cities and towns, we can help deliver more sustainable and efficient services to meet the needs of the communities we serve," Lt. Governor Karyn Polito said in a statement. "We look forward to what the analysis of these potential routes will show us and appreciate the continued collaboration between all non-profit organizations, businesses and municipalities involved in the Boston Harbor Water Transportation Study."
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Photo by Boston Harbor Cruises.
Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).
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