RIDOT says Providence-Newport ferry service continues successful debut

PETER ALVITI JR., director of the state Department of Transportation, said transportation officials "are excited at the success of the ferry in just its first couple of weeks." / COURTESY GOVERNOR'S OFFICE
PETER ALVITI JR., director of the state Department of Transportation, said transportation officials "are excited at the success of the ferry in just its first couple of weeks." / COURTESY GOVERNOR'S OFFICE

PROVIDENCE – The Providence-Newport ferry service, a pilot program created by the state Department of Transportation, has sold more than 5,000 tickets in its first 12 days.
According to RIDOT’s ferry operator, Seastreak, approximately 30 percent of sales are from out-of-state.
On its debut on Independence Day weekend, all morning trips to Newport were sold out. Afterwards, ridership remained high on sunny midweek days last week. July 6 was sold out. This week, more than a half a dozen trips were near maximum capacity. In addition, nearly 600 people took the ferry this past weekend despite inclement weather.
The ferry service has gained national attention, appearing on news stories and the Weather Channel. The weather station highlighted Providence during its “Weekend Recharge” segment on affordable destinations and mentioned the ease of traveling between Providence and Newport with the new ferry service. The trip lasts an hour.
“We are excited at the success of the ferry in just its first couple of weeks,” RIDOT Director Peter Alviti Jr. stated. “It shows that visitors are looking for an alternative and easier way to travel between the two cities that lets them enjoy beautiful Narragansett Bay while avoiding traffic and parking challenges.”
In addition, RIDOT, in partnership with Rhode Island Public Transit Authority, has upgraded its free Providence city shuttle to a trolley-style bus in order to transport more passengers. The shuttle operates between the ferry, Providence Station, Rhode Island Convention Center and Kennedy Plaza.
RIDOT has announced an online ticketing system and reservation services to plan ferry trips. Those interested in taking the ferry can visit www.dot.ri.gov/ferry to purchase tickets for round trip or one-way tickets. Tickets also can be purchased by calling 1-800-BOAT-RIDE or at the ferry landings at India Point Park in Providence or Perrotti Park in Newport.
The seasonal ferry service runs seven days a week through Sept. 5. Three round-trip excursions weekdays (Monday to Thursday) and four scheduled trips each Friday through Sunday are also available. Fares are $10 for adults each way, and $5 for children, seniors and those with disabilities. Free parking is available at the Providence landing.
The Ocean State, the name of the vessel, can hold as many as 149 passengers and offers a bar service. Passengers can bring their bicycles or pets on the ferry, free of charge.
RIDOT will evaluate the ridership at the end of the season in order to figure out future expansion of the ferry service.

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