The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) today announced that because of a mechanical issue with a crane being used to position a floating dock for passengers to embark and disembark at the ferry terminal at India Point Park in Providence, the first day of ferry service will now begin on Thursday, December 21.
RIDOT has contracted with SeaStreak, Rhode Island Fast Ferry and the Block Island Ferry to offer free ferry service to travelers who need to commute between the Bristol area and Providence. The service is offered as one more choice for people affected by the closure of the westbound side of the Washington Bridge. The ferry service will run seven days a week at half hour intervals from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
RIPTA shuttles will operate between Colt Start Park and the State Street Dock in Bristol and between India Point, Kennedy Plaza and Providence Station in Providence.
The schedule for the ferry is available on the Washington Bridge closure web page at www.ridot.net/WashingtonBridgeClosure.
RIDOT plans to offer the service for 98 days total between December 21, 2023 and March 29, 2024.
Original Story: December 18, 2023 at 3:34 pm.
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) today announced that it has contracted with SeaStreak, Rhode Island Fast Ferry, and the Block Island Ferry to offer free ferry service to travelers who need to commute between the Bristol area and Providence starting Wednesday, December 20, 2023 weather permitting.
The service is offered as one more choice for people affected by the closure of the westbound side of the Washington Bridge. The ferry service will run seven days a week at half-hour intervals from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
RIDOT Director Peter Alviti said, “We wanted to offer as many modes of transportation as we could to people affected by the closure of one side of the Washington Bridge.”
Those who wish to use the ferry can board at the State Street Dock in Bristol at 127 Thames Street. The Bristol Maritime Center will be open as well for waiting passengers. There is free parking at Colt State Park where riders can access a RIPTA shuttle to the dock. Shuttles will be available to take returning riders to their parked cars at designated times in the afternoon and the evening.
The ferry will dock at 25 Portugal Parkway (India Street) in Providence. There is free parking there with about 120 spaces. A RIPTA shuttle will be available to take riders between this location and Providence Station. The schedule for the ferry is available on the Washington Bridge closure web page at www.ridot.net/WashingtonBridgeClosure.
All three ferry providers are hiring deckhands and other staff.
“Public transportation serves as a crucial component in alleviating traffic congestion,” said Scott Avedisian, RIPTA Chief Executive Officer. “RIPTA is proud to collaborate with RIDOT to provide a seamless and efficient commuting alternative for those affected by the closure of the westbound side of the Washington Bridge. We understand the challenges commuters face, and as such we are providing free RIPTA shuttle service to the ferry, ensuring a convenient and reliable connection between the East Bay and Providence.”
The shuttle ride from Colt State Park to the Bristol boarding site is about five minutes and from the dock to Providence Station is about seven minutes. Riders will then have to find suitable transportation to their destination.
RIDOT plans to offer the service for 99 days total between December 20, 2023 and March 29, 2024.
Update: Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) provided the following press release regarding their shuttle operation;
RIPTA to Shift Resources to Provide Free Shuttle Service Connecting East Bay Commuters with RIDOT Ferry
Beginning Wednesday, December 20, 2023, RIPTA Route 61x Service Will Be Temporarily Paused
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) will run complimentary shuttle service to the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) ferry beginning Wednesday, December 20, 2023 until further notice.
“Public transportation serves as a crucial component in alleviating traffic congestion,” said Scott Avedisian, RIPTA Chief Executive Officer. “RIPTA is proud to collaborate with RIDOT to provide a seamless and efficient commuting alternative for those affected by the closure of the westbound side of the Washington Bridge. We understand the challenges commuters face, and as such we are providing free RIPTA shuttle service to the ferry, ensuring a convenient and reliable connection between the East Bay and Providence.”
A complimentary RIPTA shuttle will be available to transport passengers from Colt State Park to the Bristol Ferry Landing in the morning and back in the afternoon. Visit RIPTA.com/FerryShuttle for the full RIPTA shuttle schedule featuring 16 trips in the morning and 10 trips in the afternoon. In the morning, the RIPTA shuttle will pick up passengers at Colt State Park (Asylum Road Lot) and transport them to the Bristol Ferry Landing. Once ferry passengers arrive at the Providence Ferry Landing, the RIPTA shuttle will be available to transport passengers to Providence Train Station and Exchange Terrace (Bus Stop X).
In the afternoon, the RIPTA shuttle will pick up passengers at Providence Train Station and Exchange Terrace (Bus Stop X) to transport them to the Providence Ferry Landing. A RIPTA shuttle will be waiting at Bristol Ferry Landing to transport passengers back to Colt State Park.
In order to provide the connecting shuttle service, RIPTA will shift resources from one of its lowest performing routes. Beginning Wednesday, December 20, 2023, RIPTA will temporarily pause four Inbound and four Outbound trips on Route 61X service to provide this complimentary shuttle.
For more information on the RIDOT Ferry schedule, please click here.
For more information on RIPTA services, please call 401-781-9400 or visit RIPTA.com.
