The plan to provide high-speed ferry service from Quonset to Block Island is welcomed by the North Kingstown Town Council and the Quonset Development Corp., but others in Narragansett, Block Island and New London are less than enthusiastic.
Interstate Navigation, which provides "slow" (i.e. car) ferries and high-speed ferries from Point Judith in Narragansett, has come out against the plan, as has the Narragansett Chamber of Commerce. In addition, according to the Providence Journal, Block Island Ferry Services out of New London, Conn., is also opposed to the idea.
Charles A. Donadio, Jr., owner of Rhode Island Fast Ferry in Quonset, applied to the state Public Utilities Commission — which oversees ferry companies — in June to provide the passenger service. His company operates high-speed ferry service to Martha's Vineyard.
"I think it’s great for Quonset. We’re looking to become a major transportation hub," said Donadio in July. Shuttle bus service between the ferry and both Amtrak and Green Airport is available at the site.
Interstate Navigation says a new ferry company would siphon passengers away from its operation and could ultimately harm its service to the island during the off-season or lead to higher rates, the Projo reported.
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