Officials Celebrate New Providence to Newport Ferry Service

NEWPORT, RI—On a test run one day before the new Providence to Newport Ferry is officially launched, a gaggle of reporters and elected officials enjoyed an inaugural ride to soak up the view of the Providence waterfront and the sparkling beaches and rocky shores along the Rhode Island waterfront before landing at Perrotti Park.

There, Governor Gina Raimindo heralded the revival of the tourism-minded ferry service, which completes a trip in about 40 minutes and offers a full bar.

"This ferry offers Rhode Islanders and tourists alike a great new way to take advantage of all that Newport and Providence have to offer," Raimondo said. "We are adding a convenient transportation option to help beat traffic during the busy summer tourism season, connecting two world-class cities for eating and exploring, and better utilizing one of our state's greatest assets - Narraganset Bay. I'm excited to try out the ride with my family this summer, and hope to see many other families on board enjoying our great state."

We reported all the details about the new ferry service last week.

SeaStreak was awarded the bid after a state request for proposals in April sought to bring back the service, which ran from 2000 to 2008 with a peak ridership between 30,000 and 40,000 during the busy summer months between June and September, according to a June 9 PUC filing by the state Department of Transportation.

The planned schedule, according to the filing, is for Monday to Thursday weekday service with departures in Providence at 10 a.m., 12:30 .m. and 6 p.m. Departures from Newport would be at 11:15 a.m., 1:45 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.
On Weekends, there would be four departures each in Newport and Providence. From Providence, the times would be 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 5 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. From Newport, the ferry will depart 11:15 a.m., 1:45 p.m, 6:15 p.m. and 11 p.m.

A one-way ticket for adults would be $10. People with disabilities, seniors over 65 and children under 10 will pay $5. There is no discount for a round-trip fare.

President of the Senate M. Teresa Paiva Weed of Newport said "this ferry service connects two vibrant cities bustling with summer activities in the heart of the tourist season. It is a great way to capitalize on our most treasured natural resource, Narragansett Bay, and to help Rhode Islanders and visitors alike experience the beauty of our state."

Officials said the service could expand to include other communities with waterfront access, like East Greenwich or Warwick.