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Free Wi-Fi Service on MBTA Commuter Boats

Posted on June 24, 2008

Joined by state and local officials at Long Wharf, Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. Murray announced the availability of Wi-Fi service on MBTA commuter boats, providing customers free connection to the Internet using laptops or other web – enabled devices.  Eleven vessels are now equipped with Wi-Fi capability.  The service is available immediately.

“Providing internet access on commuter boats will allow people to make the most of their commute,” said Lt. Governor Timothy Murray.  “It is one more way we are trying to make public transportation work for the residents of the Commonwealth.”

Today’s announcement was part of the Patrick/Murray Administration’s overall celebration of Water Transportation Awareness Week, and the importance to further promote the benefits of  water transportation services to citizens of the Commonwealth. Approximately 4500 daily customers commute on MBTA’s Commuter Boat services from Quincy/Hull to Long Wharf and Logan, Hingham to Rowes Wharf, and Inner Harbor Service from Long Wharf to Charlestown. 

“The Governor and Lt. Governor understand that accessible and convenient public transportation is good for commuters, good for our economy, and good for the environment, “said Transportation Secretary Bernard Cohen.  “Internet access for boat commuters is one more way to attract more people into the public transit system,” said Transportation Secretary Bernard Cohen. 

In FY 2007, the MBTA water transportation routes carried over 1.4m customers.   This year, ridership to Boston is up 9% from Hull and up 3% from Quincy.  Georges Island ridership from Quincy is up 16%.  Ridership overall on the MBTA is up 6.2%. 

Noting that people are changing their commuting patterns and making smarter choices, MBTA General Manager Daniel A. Grabauskas said, “Water Transportation has become a popular alternative to driving, continuing to demonstrate that customers are taking advantage of the wide variety of T services being offered.”  “By providing a number of convenient and reliable transit options, the T will maintain its customer base and attract new riders,” said Grabauskas. 

With the recent upsurge in gas prices, the MBTA continues to promote water transportation as a viable alternative to driving.  Most recently, two direct trips from Hull to Boston have been added to the morning weekday schedule, departing Hull at 7:55 a.m. and 8:55 a.m.  More customer service enhancements include the installation of recycle bins on board the Inner Harbor Ferry and the Quincy/Hull commuter boat services; and the availability of two new ticket kiosks at Long Wharf/Central Wharf and at the Charlestown Navy Yard.  In addition, recent improvements to commuter boat information on the T’s website will provide customers with more information about each boat terminal, and improved access to schedules and fares. 

"Last year, Logan was ranked the "Easiest Airport to Get To" and water transportation is a great cost-effective way to get to the airport," said Ed Freni, Massport's Director of Aviation. "We have a variety of water transport services that connect Logan with downtown Boston and the
South Shore."

 The MBTA’s Tenth Annual Water Transportation Awareness Week continues through Friday, June 27th.  During the weeklong event, co-sponsored by the Boston Harbor Association (TBHA), ABC and Seaport TMAs, riders can enter on-board raffle contests featuring prizes from corporate sponsors including the Boston Celtics, the Boston Red Sox, New England Aquarium, the Children’s Museum, and Boston Harbor Cruises --Water Transportation Alternatives.   In addition, the Boston Harbor Association will launch a new Boston Water Transportation website to promote all water services in Boston Harbor.  


 

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Lydia M. Rivera