Expanded Boston Harbor water transportation coffers bolstered by $2 million release from Massachusetts
Boston Harbor Water Transportation Grant Funds Six Projects for Improved Ferry Services
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has announced the distribution of over $2.3 million in grants to support six projects aimed at expanding and improving ferry and water transportation services around Boston Harbor. These projects focus on increasing ferry capacity, adding new routes, and supporting nonprofit programs that use water transit for educational and cultural access.
Key funded projects include:
- MBTA’s redesigned Winthrop/Quincy ferry routes, which will triple daily passenger capacity by splitting the current Winthrop-Quincy route into two separate routes. This change is expected to improve scheduling, reduce travel time, increase access, and serve more commuters traveling between the Seaport, Winthrop, and Quincy.
- The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority’s Seaport ferry will enhance service by transporting more commuters between North Station, the Seaport, and East Boston, further expanding water transit options for the region.
- Several nonprofit organizations receive funding to run programs that use water transportation to bring students and families closer to Boston Harbor’s cultural and historical landmarks, thereby enhancing educational and recreational opportunities via water transit.
This initiative is part of MassDEP's broader effort to reduce road congestion, improve air quality, and make daily commutes more sustainable and affordable by investing in water-based transit options. The funding is supported by contributions tied to public waterfront development licenses, ensuring transportation improvements keep pace with harbor-area growth.
In summary, the grant program enhances Boston Harbor's ferry infrastructure and services, notably through the MBTA's revamped ferry routes and nonprofit educational water transit programs, aiming to make water transportation a faster, more affordable, and accessible option for residents and visitors.
References: 1. Boston.com 2. MassDEP 3. Boston Harbor Now 4. The Boston Globe 5. Save the Harbor / Save the Bay
The MBTA's revamped Winthrop/Quincy ferry routes, funded by the grant, aim to triple daily passenger capacity, thereby demonstrating the link between the rail industry and finance as the project receives funds. The enhanced Massachusetts Convention Center Authority's Seaport ferry, with its expanded services, showcases the role of finance in improving transportation infrastructure within the industry, particularly water transportation.
