June 30, 2023 |City of Lynn, MBTA, News, State of MA, Transportation

MBTA Commemorates Beginning of Lynn Ferry Service

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Today the MBTA commemorated the beginning of Lynn Ferry service with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting followed by a cross-harbor ride from the Lynn Blossom Street Pier to Boston’s Long Wharf. Attending the event were Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, MassDOT Secretary and CEO Gina Fiandaca, MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng, Congressman Seth Moulton, Senator Brendan Crighton, Representative Peter Capano, City of Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson, City of Lynn Economic Development & Industrial Corporation Executive Director Jim Cowdell, and many community members, stakeholder group representatives, and others. The Lynn Ferry service began operations on Monday, June 26.

“This is an exciting day for Lynn, and we’re grateful to the local officials and community members who have advocated over the past several years for the return of ferry service,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We strongly encourage anyone traveling to and from the North Shore to take advantage of this new service, and of the other free and low-cost travel options available to help folks ‘Ditch the Drive’ during the Sumner tunnel closure this summer.”

“The launch of the Lynn Ferry will provide a needed transportation option to our communities in Lynn and beyond,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Gina Fiandaca. “The Lynn Ferry is part of MassDOT’s strategy for water transportation, and I’m grateful to the partners who made this a reality. As we prepare for the Sumner Tunnel closure, options like water transportation will also be a key part of our efforts to help travelers ‘Ditch the Drive’ and explore alternative transportation options over the next two months.”

“I’m proud of the effort by the MBTA team that has enabled us to offer new ferry service between Lynn and Boston, not only in advance of the Sumner Tunnel closure, but also allowing us to continue this service after the Tunnel reopens. A safe and reliable transportation network is paramount to the public we serve, and building water transportation as part of our network gives the traveling public new and viable alternatives for travel, in this case between the North Shore and Boston.”

MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng

“I’m glad to see the long-awaited reopening of the ferry between Lynn and Boston,” said Congressman Seth Moulton. “This ferry will provide much needed support over the coming months to commuters and residents alike, especially throughout the closure of Sumner Tunnel. I’m eager to see the opportunities its return will bring to Lynn and the rest of the North Shore.”

“Thank you to the Healey/Driscoll administration for their efforts to create much-needed commuting alternatives as we prepare for the two-month Sumner Tunnel closure next week,” said Senator Brendan Crighton. “Free Blue Line, affordable commuter rail, and the restoration of ferry service on the North Shore will go a long way to help our residents avoid what will be unprecedented traffic congestion for those heading into Greater Boston. The Lynn Commuter Ferry has the potential to drastically improve workforce mobility, economic development, housing production, and the quality of life for our residents, and we are thrilled to have it back in service.”

“I am happy to celebrate the re-opening of the ferry line between Lynn and Boston. This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to enhancing transportation infrastructure and creating opportunities for economic growth in our community. By providing this convenient mode of transportation and restoring a vital connection from the North Shore to Boston, we are not only reducing congestion on our roads, but also offering a scenic, more sustainable, and enjoyable journey for all,” said Representative Peter Capano. “I extend my deepest appreciation to all those who have worked so diligently and tirelessly to make this reopening a reality.”

“My administration is committed to advocating for accessible and viable transit options for Lynn residents in order to provide them with the services they need and deserve,” said City of Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson. “The ferry is an important link to provide expanded transit, particularly with the closure of the Central Square commuter rail station and the Sumner Tunnel, and will help to establish Lynn as a multi-modal hub of transportation. Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll administration, our State Delegation, and the MBTA for working with the City to get this service implemented so quickly.”

“Commuters from Marblehead, Swampscott, and Lynn are thrilled to get off the road and onto the water,” said Representative Jenny Armini. “We are a coastal district. A ferry makes all the sense in the world—in the short term and as we look to relieve congestion and reduce carbon-generating auto emissions moving forward.”

“The Lynn Ferry finally returning to its port of origin after eight years of being lost at sea, comes at a critical time where infrastructure projects require alternative means of transportation in and out of Boston,” said Representative Dan Cahill.

The Lynn Ferry operates 10 trips per day on weekdays between the Blossom Street Pier in Lynn and Long Wharf (South), Gate 4, in Boston. The Lynn Ferry began operating, in part, in support of providing additional travel alternatives during the July and August closure of the Sumner Tunnel. A one-way trip on the Lynn Ferry is currently $2.40, the same cost as a one-way subway ride. Commuters may also use Zone 1A passes in order to board. Free parking is available at the Blossom Street Pier parking lot.

The Lynn Ferry will operate through the 2023 summer and beyond the scheduled tunnel closures until Columbus Day weekend. When the Sumner Tunnel reopens, Zone 2 fares will be accepted. The Lynn Ferry will operate again next summer 2024 with future schedules announced when they are finalized.

For more information, please visit mbta.com/LynnFerry, or connect with the T on Twitter @MBTAand @MBTA_CR, Facebook /TheMBTA, Instagram @theMBTA, or TikTok @thembta.

The above press release was submitted to us by the MBTA.