The Rhode Island congressional delegation has steered $13.5 million in federal funding to upgrade the Providence Ferry Terminal, the northern end of the seasonal ferry route connecting Newport, Bristol and Providence.
The money goes to the Rhode Island Department of Transportation for work at the terminal at 25 Portugal Parkway in Fox Point, which currently operates with basic port infrastructure and temporary structures. The project will fund a permanent ticketing pavilion with an office, restrooms and a waiting area with real-time information, along with new floating docks, ADA-compliant gangways, sea wall repairs, and parking and stormwater improvements.
RIDOT Interim Director Robert Rocchio said the ferry has run for 11 summer seasons and carries roughly 44,000 passengers a year between Providence, Newport and Bristol. “It will help improve passenger experience at the ferry landing site in Providence by adding amenity buildings and infrastructure improvements that will last for many more seasons to come,” he said.
Sen. Jack Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee, called the funding a smart investment that will make ferry service more accessible and family-friendly while boosting ridership and tourism. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse said it would significantly upgrade the passenger experience.
Rep. Gabe Amo said the ferry connects Providence, the East Bay and Aquidneck Island through the summer months. Rep. Seth Magaziner called it an essential part of the state’s transportation network and tourism economy.
The funding comes through a $657 million U.S. Federal Transit Administration program supporting ferry service nationwide.
Seastreak runs the seasonal service in partnership with RIDOT, with multiple daily trips between Newport and Providence and weekend service to Bristol. The one-hour ride from Providence to Perotti Park in Newport costs $12 each way for adults and $6 for children, seniors, people with disabilities and Medicare cardholders. The ferry is dog-friendly, carries a limited number of bicycles free, and connects with shuttles for Amtrak riders in Providence. More information is at ridethebayri.com.
