AASHTO Journal - MassDOT Conducting Water Transportation Study

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority – a division of MassDOT – recently launched a “Water Transportation Study” that seeks to evaluate options for new ferry service for coastal communities.

[Above photo by MBTA]

The agency said this 12-month study will identify potential improvements to existing MBTA ferry routes and infrastructure; explore new routes and terminal locations; identify multimodal access improvements to current and potential ferry terminal locations; and identify upgrades to improve the ferry experience for customers.

MassDOT noted that this study involves MBTA officials and other entities and will be a “comprehensive effort” to examine past and existing water transportation services against current and future needs for service.

“[This study] will explore new opportunities for regional ferry service along our coast,” Monica Tibbits-Nutt, MassDOT secretary and CEO, in a statement.

“Ferries … are a vital connection that strengthens ties between communities, reduces congestion, and supports sustainable travel,” she added. “This study will be shaped by community voices, and we encourage residents, local leaders, and stakeholders to share their ideas as we work together to shape the future of water transportation in Massachusetts.”

In addition to planning, design, and engineering, MassDOT said its Water Transportation Study will include robust community engagement with current and potential ferry riders in and near coastal communities.

Public engagement will consist of in-person and virtual public meetings through the end of October, workshops, pop-up events, stakeholder meetings, and a website via which the public can comment.

The public will be also able to view project documents via the new website, including meeting materials, and submit comments to the project team via a feedback form.