The T’s ferry system served 1.4 million passengers last year — and that number is growing.
Boston residents who are tired of their car commute could consider a different option: the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s system of ferries, which criss-crosses Boston Harbor and provided 1.4 million rides in 2024. “While ferries carry less than half a percent of the T's total average weekday ridership, the number of people commuting by boat has ticked upward.”
As Andrea Perdomo-Hernandez explains in a piece for WBUR, the state government granted the MBTA and other agencies over $2 million to expand water transportation as an alternative to driving.
Boston’s mayoral candidates both support expanding ferry service, including public-private partnerships that service some of the lines. “Brian Kane, executive director of the MBTA advisory board, which represents cities and towns serviced by the T, said he’s all for expanding ferry offerings, noting water transit is more environmentally friendly than cars,” but noted that expanding service will likely require state-level support.
Read the full story: Hate traffic? Transit leaders and politicians want to boost water commutes
MBTA extends commuter rail discounts and lowers express bus fare to keep passengers riding into the fall
Boston-area commuters can access half-price monthly passes through November.
MBTA threatens to use eminent domain to pedestrianize Boston streets during World Cup
Boston city hall has been unusually reluctant to align with MassDOT and MBTA's proposed crowd management plans.
Boston’s Free Buses are Also its Slowest
Two fare-free bus lines have seen a sharp increase in travel times.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement
The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.
Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion
Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.
Philadelphia to invest $2 billion into upgrading city airports as PHL places last in customer satisfaction
Modernizations to Philadelphia's airports will include baggage system upgrades and a new automated parking garage guidance system.
The LA housing policies making developers turn away from the city
Despite LA’s housing shortage, developers say the city’s "mansion-tax" and pandemic-era policies make it an unappealing place to build housing.
New density bill would require 7 California cities to establish regional transit hubs
The bill would also require major cities in California to permit high-rise residential buildings.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Wisconsin Rapids
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
KFH Group Inc.
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello