Transportation Officials, Salem Mayor Driscoll Promote Ferry Service

Working with the Patrick/Murray Administration to raise awareness of water transportation services with options that accommodate the customer, Transportation officials announced service enhancements for MBTA passholders.

Gathered at Long Wharf Pier in Boston, Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll joined Transportation Secretary James Aloisi, and the MBTA's General Manager at a press conference to introduce the monthly T pass to the Salem Ferry service.

Pleased with the cooperation from Transportation officials to improve access to the MBTA system for North Shore commuters, Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll said, "This was an idea just a few months ago, and today we have a program designed around the customer's needs. I look forward to a continued relationship with the Patrick/Murray Administration as we work to promote viable transportation options for residents."

Beginning Monday, June 8, the monthly MBTA boat pass and commuter rail pass zones 5 - 8 will be honored as valid fare on the Salem Ferry for the following weekday commuter trips: 7:00 a.m. from Salem; and the 5:10 p.m. and 7:10 p.m. from Boston's Long Wharf. In addition, the monthly boat pass will be valid on MBTA services up to commuter rail Zone 4.

"Working together with the City of Salem we have been able to improve customer service for ferry customers and residents on the North Shore," said Transportation Secretary James A. Aloisi, Jr. "We must continue to look to the future by taking steps to strengthen and improve public transportation options for transit riders throughout the Commonwealth," said Transportation Secretary Aloisi.

In January, MBTA operations staff met with the City of Salem to discuss improvements to transit options for MBTA passholders. A pilot program was proposed to provide North Shore ferry commuters with a seamless transition into the MBTA system; provide an added benefit to existing MBTA commuter rail passholders; and raise public awareness of water transportation services in Boston Harbor.

"With the summer upon us, and ferry service a popular transportation option, this partnership with the City of Salem could not have come at a better time," said the MBTA's General Manager. "We are giving customers choices to their everyday commute. Commuter rail riders can alternate from train to ferry and North Shore ferry customers can enjoy a smooth transition onto the MBTA system."

"With this public transportation improvement, commuting from Salem to Boston just became easier," said Representative John Keenan. "I am excited to support the expansion of the MBTA pass on the Salem Ferry which allows more options for commuters, introduces more riders to water transportations alternatives, and takes more cars off our congested roadways."

Part of the ongoing effort to raise awareness of water transportation services, MBTA staff, in partnership with the City of Salem, will promote the program on the City of Salem's web site www.salem.com and on the T's www.mbta.com. In addition, North Shore customers can purchase passes at two locations in Salem:

Red Lions Smoke Shop
94 Washington Street
All Passes Available

Salem Ferry Operator
10 Blaney Street
Ferry Passes ONLY

The City of Salem owns one 149 passenger high speed catamaran named the Nathaniel Bowditch, which it leases to the private ferry company, Water Transportation Alternatives (WTA). The Salem Ferry operates between the Blaney Street dock in Salem and the Long Wharf Pier in Boston beginning Memorial Day through October 30.