PROVIDENCE – Ferry service between Providence and Newport will return on June 26, the R.I. Department of Transportation announced Thursday.
The ferry service will also include the return of weekend service to Bristol.
The ferry will run through Columbus Day weekend and Bristol service will run on weekends through Labor Day weekend. Tickets will be $11 per adult and $5.50 for children, seniors and individuals with disabilities. Riders are also allowed to bring bikes and pets for no charge. Parking will be free at the Providence terminal.
Ferries will run seven days a week, with four round trips during peak season and on weekends and three round trips daily during the fall shoulder season, the department said.
RIDOT also noted that riders should make reservations for the ferry. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the capacity of boats will be reduced from 149 passengers to 90 when outdoor seats are available, and to 60 in the case of inclement weather.
Seastreak will operate the service again this year using the ferry Ocean State. RIDOT said the company will be sanitizing high-touch areas between runs and the entire boat at the end of service each day.
Passengers on the ferry will be asked to observe social distancing and face coverings will be required to be worn.
RIDOT said that the Providence-Newport ferry service is funded through RhodeWorks.
