March 25, 2024 |City of Lynn, From the Mayor, MBTA, News, Transportation

Ferry service returns in April, Saturdays added

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Ferry service is returning to Lynn in 2024, with a longer season and, for the first time ever, a weekend schedule.

The MBTA announced Monday that the ferry that runs from the EDIC Pier on Blossom Street Extension to Long Wharf in Boston will start on Monday, April 29 and run through October 31.

The ferry will run on Saturdays starting on May 25, Memorial Day Weekend.

“We are very pleased that the MBTA is not only maintaining, but expanding ferry service from Lynn,” said Mayor Jared C. Nicholson. “We know that water transportation plays a critical role as we position the city as a multi-modal hub in the transportation infrastructure.”

After consistent lobbying from city officials and the state delegation, the MBTA reinstated ferry service to Lynn in 2023. The state had run a two-year ferry pilot program in 2014 and 2015 and reduced service in 2017 with only one trip per day each way.

Riders responded last year even better than expected, with approximately 20,000 people taking the ferry in July and August, when the Sumner Tunnel was closed, as will be the case again this year.

“The state committing to fund the ferry for a second year is a significant development.  We appreciate all the riders who supported it last year and are grateful that the MBTA has recognized its importance. This is everything we hoped for.”

EDIC Executive Director James Cowdell

The MBTA last year signed a two-year lease with EDIC for use of the EDIC pier, terminal and parking lot on Blossom Street Extension for the purpose of operating the commuter ferry into Boston. There is an option for a three-year extension, Cowdell said.

“We appreciate the Healey-Driscoll Administration, the MBTA and city officials working collaboratively to maximize public transportation options in the region,” said Sen. Brendan Crighton. “It has been proven that water transportation can be part of the solution to the ever-increasing traffic congestion.”

The cost of a one-way trip from Lynn to Boston will be $7 ($3.50 for reduced fare riders). In July and August when the Sumner is closed, the price drops to $2.40, as it did last year. The capacity is approximately 150 per trip.

The state’s Seaport Advisory Council funded the ferry in 2014 and 2015, attracting almost 28,000 riders in that span. There was no ferry in 2016, but the Mass. Department of Transportation funded reduced service in 2017 with only one trip per day each way.

The above press release was submitted to us by Mayor Nicholson’s office.