Expanded ferry service an exciting possibility

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For countless Rhode Islanders, summer days spent enjoying Narragansett Bay – whether sailing, swimming, or strolling along the sand – are by far the most anticipated time of year.

Rhode Island’s natural beauty is perhaps its greatest asset, and the bay stands unquestionably as its crown jewel in that regard. Aside from its status as a defining physical feature, the bay is integral to our shared culture and experience.

It has been exciting in recent weeks to see the bay’s recreational appeal coupled with its underutilized value as a transportation resource, with the restoration of seasonal Providence-to-Newport ferry service after a long absence. Thousands have taken the ferry since it began running on July 1, and many more will do so before it ends in early September. And the appeal extends beyond Rhode Island’s borders – according to the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, nearly a third of ferry passengers have come from out of state.

Now, the success of the service has some top state leaders wondering how it might be expanded. In a recent interview, RIDOT Director Peter Alviti Jr. said with the ferry’s popularity “taking off,” the prospect exists of instituting stops at other coastal communities, including at Warwick’s Rocky Point. He rightly spoke of the state’s coastline as a “great asset,” and spoke of East Greenwich, Wickford, Jamestown, and Bristol as other potential ferry destinations.

Of course, much work remains before that becomes a reality. Investments will be required in infrastructure, and there must be confidence in the level of ridership needed to make the service viable.

We hope, though, to see it come to fruition, whatever form it might ultimately take. The concept for a coastal ferry service carries enormous appeal as an innovative way to simultaneously enhance our transportation system and draw visitors to Rhode Island.

We dare to imagine something not all that far removed from the formula that has been so successful for Garden City Center and Pawtuxet Village – the combination of an inviting, pedestrian-friendly atmosphere with a range of attractions. An expanded ferry service could effectively make the entire state the same kind of one-stop destination – park in Providence, board the boat, and see it all.

It may be a pie-in-the-sky vision, but it’s most definitely worth exploring. Rhode Island needs a re-imagining of its transportation infrastructure, and while this may be but a piece of the puzzle, its benefits could be significant.

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