EVERETT, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Encore Boston Harbor is finally open for business, but some who drove to visit the resort and casino are concerned about the high-priced and extremely limited parking.
Parking at the casino costs $22 for 6 hours and $42 for 24 hours.
“The parking there is insane,” one patron Karen Russel said. “Everybody else is free, but they got to make up their money for the millions they paid.”
One man, who lives in downtown Boston, said he won’t be parking at the casino in the future.
“Next time I come here, I’m not going to drive here. Definitely I’m going to take the shuttle,” he said.
Encore Boston Harbor has been running free shuttles for patrons, as they have been encouraging casino-goers to take public transportation options to get there.
“So far it’s great," Alexis, from Lynnfield said. "I think it’s still going to take a while to get here, but it’s better than trying to drive. I will not pay $22 for parking, especially not when I have the potential of losing 10 times that at the blackjack table.”
The shuttle service runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They are air conditioned and have cushioned seats.
However, not everyone is inclined to take public transportation. Phyllis, from Revere, said she doesn’t have a problem with the parking at the casino.
“It’s worth the convenience because you can’t park anywhere else in the area and it’s more expensive for a tow. So no, I’m going to park here,” Phyllis said.
The shuttle buses to Encore Boston Harbor are offered from the MBTA Wellington and Malden Orange Line stations.
Attendees can also get there by ferry, with rides costing around $7. The boats go from to the casino, Seaport World Trade Center, and Long Wharf.
Prime coach rides to Encore Boston Harbor from Londonderry, N.H., Millbury Mass., and Rockland, Mass. are also available for $7.
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WBZ NewsRadio's Kevin Coleman (@KevinColemanWBZ) and James Rojas (@JamesRojasWBZ) reported this story.