Commuter Ferry To Newport? Jamestown Ferry Might Start Morning Runs To Downtown

JAMESTOWN, RI — With the impending Newport Pell Bridge construction rattling drivers' nerves, is it time for the Jamestown Newport Ferry to start commuter runs between Jamestown and Downtown Newport? Maybe so, according to Bill Munger, president of Conanicut Marine Services, Inc.

"Commuter departures are now under consideration, as we do have early day capacity," he said. He's posted a survey, so potential riders can let him known the arrival times and departure times they'd require, if they took the boat from Jamestown to Newport and vice versa.

"With that info in hand, I will then be able to determine the most desired parking shuttle times and ferry schedule," he said. He can schedule runs before 10 a.m. to accommodate workers, he said. Besides Perrotti Park in Newport, the ferry could stop at the Ann Street Pier and at the Alofsin Pier at Fort Adams before heading back to Conanicut Marina in Jamestown.

"I have also met with RIDOT and RITBA requesting any available funding to offset the cost of a potential commuter ticket, much the likes of the Providence to Newport tourist ferry," he said. So far, the state agencies have not responded. But he figures he can price the service for about $7 each way, if commuters buy a 10-pack.

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