Accessible Services
Commuter Boat

The Customer Experience and Accessibility Features on Commuter Boat

The MBTA's 4 commuter boat lines connect the cities of Quincy, Hingham, and Hull to Logan Airport, the Charlestown Navy Yard, and the Boston Harbor. This page will discuss the access features and the customer journey on the MBTA's fleet of commuter boats.

Access Features May Include

  • Accessible floating docks
  • Bridgeplates that span the gap between the dock and the boat
  • Accessible restrooms

What to Expect When Boarding the Boat

Customers walking down ramp onto floating dock. Click to enlarge.
  • Proceed onto the floating dock. Remain a safe distance away from the edge of the dock until a member of the crew tells you that it's safe to board.
Crew member deploying bridgeplate. Click to enlarge.
  • If you use a wheeled mobility device, a member of the crew will deploy a bridgeplate that spans the gap between the dock and the boat.
Customer using wheeled mobility device wheeling onto boat via the mobile bridgeplate. Click to enlarge.
  • Once the bridgeplate is deployed, wheel onto the boat via the bridgeplate.
Customer purchasing ticket at ticket counter. Click to enlarge.
  • Tickets may be purchased onboard the boat.  Proceed to the ticket counter if you need to purchase a ticket.  You will need to show your pass or ticket to a member of the crew prior to exiting the boat. 

What to Expect When Exiting the Boat

Customer showing pass to crew member. Click to enlarge.
  • Upon exiting the boat, show your valid ticket or pass to a member of the crew.
Crew member assisting customer off of boat. Click to enlarge.
  • If you need assistance in exiting the boat, let a member of the boat crew know.

What to Expect When Boarding Boats to Charlestown

The procedure for boarding boats to the Charlestown Navy Yard differ slightly from other MBTA commuter boat services. Please keep in mind the following when boarding commuter boats to charlestown Navy Yard.

customers at top of ramp. Click to enlarge.
  • Remain at the top of the ramp. A member of the crew will inform you when it′s safe to proceed down the ramp and onto the dock to board the boat.
Customers walking/wheeling down ramp. Click to enlarge.
  • When a member of the crew indicates that it's okay, proceed down the ramp onto the dock.
Crew member deploying bridgeplate. Click to enlarge.
  • A member of the crew will deploy a bridgeplate to span the gap between the train and the boat.
customer using bridgeplate to board boat. Click to enlarge.
  • Once the bridgeplate is deployed, walk/wheel onto the boat.
customer purchasing ticket. Click to enlarge.
  • Ferry tickets may be purchased onboard the boat.

What to Expect When Exiting Boats to Charlestown

Customer showing pass to crew member. Click to enlarge.
  • Present your ticket or pass to the crew member when you exit the boat.
Crew member deploying bridgeplate. Click to enlarge.
  • Do not attempt to exit until a member of the crew deploys the bridgeplate.
Crew member assisting customer off of boat. Click to enlarge.
  • Once bridgeplate has been deployed, walk/wheel off of the boat onto the dock via the bridgeplate.