Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — July is Water Transit Month, and a fair was held Friday at Christopher Columbus Park to spread awareness.
Pat Sullivan, executive director for the Seaport TMA, was among those representing harbor organizations at the fair. He told WBZ NewsRadio that water transit is a critical piece of transportation for Boston.
"Whenever we get feedback from people that use the ferries, it’s really always just glowing; talking about what a great experience it is, how comfortable it is, and how you can’t beat the views of commuting to work on the harbor and seeing the city skyline out the windows," he said.
Sullivan said it is especially important during the Sumner Tunnel shutdown this summer.
Read More: Sumner Tunnel Closes For A Month For Restoration Work
“Starting last year with the Sumner Tunnel closure, we saw close to 100% increase in ridership on the ferry between East Boston and the Seaport,” he said.
The Sumner is closed until Aug. 5 for restoration work. In the meantime, MassDOT encourages commuters to use alternate forms of transportation, including the MBTA. The Blue Line is free throughout the shutdown.
There are also "free and reduced cost water ferry options, reduced Commuter Rail fares for riders, reduced parking costs at MBTA and Commuter Rail parking lots and garages, free fares on a number of Chelsea bus routes, discounted tolls for residents, and additional options for travelers to and from Logan Airport," MassDOT said in a press release last month.
Sullivan said the Seaport TMA, along with other harbor organizations, hope to expand water transit options in the area in the years to come.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.
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