Press Release  MassDOT Launches Water Transportation Study Public Engagement

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) are announcing the launch of the Water Transportation Study, which will seek to develop and evaluate options for new potential regional ferry service to, from and between communities along the Massachusetts coast.  The first public engagement events will be held in September.  

“MassDOT and the MBTA are proud to launch the Water Transportation Study, which will explore new opportunities for regional ferry service along our coast,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “Ferries are more than an alternative to driving. They are a vital connection that strengthens ties between communities, reduces congestion, and supports sustainable travel. This study will be shaped by community voices, and we encourage residents, local leaders, and stakeholders to share their ideas as we work together to shape the future of water transportation in Massachusetts.” 

This 12-month study will identify potential improvements to existing MBTA ferry routes and infrastructure, explore new routes and terminal locations, identify multimodal access improvements to current and potential ferry terminal locations, and identify upgrades to improve the ferry experience for customers, as described in the 2022 Massachusetts Transportation Bond Bill. 

The study involves MBTA officials and other entities and will be a comprehensive effort to examine past and existing water transportation services against current and future needs for service.  

In addition to planning, design, and engineering, the Water Transportation Study will include robust community engagement with current and potential ferry riders in and near coastal communities. Public engagement will consist of in-person and virtual public meetings, workshops, pop-up events, stakeholder meetings, and a study website. The public will be able to view project documents, including meeting materials, and submit comments to the project team via a feedback form.    

Fall events will occur at the following dates and locations: 

• Lynn Open House: Blossom Street Pier, Lynn, September 30, 2025, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Quincy Open House: Marina Bay/Squantum Point Park, Quincy, October 2, 2025, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Salem Open House: Commuter Rail Station, 252 Bridge Street, Salem, October 7, 2025, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Gloucester Open House: Commuter Rail Station, 75 Railroad Avenue, Gloucester, October 15, 2025, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Chelsea Open House: Bellingham Square, Chelsea, October 22, 2025, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Everett Open House: Everett Square, Everett, October 29, 2025, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Community Meeting – Zoom: Online, October 8, 2025, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 

Information on the study and public engagement is available at https://www.mbta.com/projects/water-transportation-study.  

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