News
Water Taxi Service at Fairmont Battery Wharf
The new HarborWalk segment at Fairmont Battery Wharf features
a water transportation pavilion with year-round water transportation service
to Logan International Airport and other Harbor-side locations. The pavilion
includes a waiting area and 300 feet of dock space. The cost is $10 per person
one-way and $17 per person round-trip. Reservations can be made by calling
617-406-8584.
Allow 10 minutes for pick-up and 15-25 minutes for water and land transport to airport terminals. Water transport will pick up at Fairmont Battery Wharf Taxi Stand and drop passengers at a free bus shuttle, which runs directly to terminals.
TBHA’s Water Transportation Initiative
Under the direction of Co-Chairs Charles Norris and Al Raine,
the Water Transportation Working Group of The Boston Harbor Association
has completed a White Paper on water transportation management and governance
issues. This work has taken on increased relevancy as changes in the
Commonwealth's transportation agencies have created an uncertain future
for water transportation, shifting the focus from strengthening and
expanding the current system to preserving existing routes, and avoiding
reduction or elimination of service.
The Water Transportation Working Group is working on a second White Paper focused on the future of Ferries as Transit. In the interim, the current White Paper was provided to David D’Alessandro, who prepared an independent review of the MBTA operations, and to Jeffrey Mullan, Secretary and CEO of the newly created MassDOT. The new Water Transportation pavilion at Battery Wharf, which provides a seated waiting area for water transportation, was constructed in part as a result of TBHA’s advocacy.
The InterContinental Boston Water Transportation Terminal is now open to the public. Brochures, schedules, and maps on water transit services, including the on-call water taxi service at the dock right behind the InterContinental Boston, are available inside the terminal. Visitors will also be able to buy small gifts and bottled beverages and use two public rest rooms within the kiosk from 7 a.m. to dusk, seven days a week through Columbus Day. The Boston Harbor Association worked closely Penfield’s and InterContinental Boston, as well as the MBTA, Massport, Seaport TMA, and the BRA on opening the terminal, which is located on the Fort Point Channel between Russia Wharf and the InterContinental Boston Hotel/Residences.
MBTA announces the launch of the Wi-Fi Commuter Boat Pilot Program. Free internet connection is now available aboard services to Hingham, operated by Boston Harbor Cruises and Mass Bay Lines, and services to Quincy, Hull, Long Wharf, and Logan Airport, operated by Water Transportation Alternatives. Boston is one of the first cities to offer Wi-Fi aboard its public transportation ferries. The announcement was made at the MBTA Water Transportation Awareness Week press conference on 24 June 2008. A press release of the event is available at mbta.com.
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The Boston Harbor Association recently launched its multi-year Water Transportation Initiative to promote a robust water transportation network for Boston Harbor. Through a series of meetings this year and subsequent working papers on water transportation, this initiative will enhance our discussions, continued advocacy, and collaboration with our colleagues and other organizations in promoting a comprehensive water transportation system.
TBHA Executive Director Vivien Li's 5 May 2008 Banker & Tradesman article on TBHA's water transportation initiative can be accessed here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy tickets beforehand?
Some services, such as the Salem ferry, recommend reservations in advance to secure a space on board, but for many services you can purchase tickets on board or in ticket offices or booths by the dock. For regular commuters, the best option may be a monthly pass or a multi-ride ticket. Check with individual providers for more information.
Is service available year-round?
Services to Quincy, Hull, and Hingham and the Inner Harbor Ferry, as well as water taxi services run all year; the boats are comfortably heated during the winter months and can operate even in inclement weather. Services to Salem and Provincetown are seasonal due to unpredictable winter weather conditions.
What amenities are offered on commuter ferries?
The Inner Harbor Ferry and South Shore commuter boat, operated by Boston Harbor Cruises and Water Transportation Alternatives, on behalf of the MBTA, and the Salem Ferry offer a full snack bar. Restrooms are available on board and the cabin is climate-controlled.
Are services offered on holidays?
Some holidays may have revised schedules, operating with more or less service, depending on the time of year. Generally there is no service on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day. Check with individual providers for more information.
Are bikes allowed on commuter boats/ferries?
Most commuter boats and ferries will allow bikes on board for free. Bike racks are also provided at Hingham. Check with individual providers for more information.
Is parking available near the docks?
Options vary by location:
Boston: Parking is often expensive; the best way to access Long Wharf, Rowes Wharf, and the Seaport District is by T. For more information, visit mbta.com.
The Fore River Shipyard in Quincy: Parking costs $3 per day, with 350 spaces available. Overnight parking is $6. Weekly parking is $36.
Pemberton Point in Hull: About 100 free spaces are provided at Hull High School.
Hingham Shipyard: Parking costs $3 a day, with over 1500 spaces available.
Provincetown: Parking is available in Provincetown’s Municipal Parking Lot, located close to the piers, for $2.50/hour.
Salem: Parking at the Salem ferry dock, off Blaney Street, is free.
Are the docks and boats handicap accessible?
Rowes Wharf, Long Wharf, Fan Pier, Charlestown Navy Yard, and Logan Airport are several docks which have handicap accessible ramps. Check with individual service providers for information about accessibility to boats.