The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) commemorated the beginning of Lynn Ferry service with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, followed by a cross-harbor ride from the Lynn Blossom Street Pier to Boston’s Long Wharf.
“This is an exciting day for Lynn and we’re grateful to the local officials and community members who have advocated over the past several years for the return of ferry service,” said Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll. “We strongly encourage anyone traveling to and from the North Shore to take advantage of this new service and of the other free and low-cost travel options available to help folks ‘Ditch the Drive’ during the Sumner Tunnel closure this summer.”
“The launch of the Lynn Ferry will provide a needed transportation option to our communities in Lynn and beyond,” said Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Secretary and CEO Gina Fiandaca. “The Lynn Ferry is part of MassDOT’s strategy for water transportation, and I’m grateful to the partners who made this a reality.”
The Lynn Ferry operates 10 trips per day on weekdays between the Blossom Street Pier in Lynn and Long Wharf (South), Gate 4, in Boston. The Lynn Ferry began operating, in part, in support of providing additional travel alternatives during the July and August closure of the Sumner Tunnel. A one-way trip on the Lynn Ferry is currently $2.40, the same cost as a one-way subway ride. Commuters may also use Zone 1A passes to board.
“I’m proud of the effort by the MBTA team that has enabled us to offer new ferry service between Lynn and Boston, not only in advance of the Sumner Tunnel closure, but also allowing us to continue this service after the tunnel reopens,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “A safe and reliable transportation network is paramount to the public we serve and building water transportation as part of our network gives the traveling public new and viable alternatives for travel, in this case between the North Shore and Boston.”
“My administration is committed to advocating for accessible and viable transit options for Lynn residents in order to provide them with the services they need and deserve,” said Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson. “The ferry is an important link to provide expanded transit, particularly with the closure of the Central Square commuter rail station and the Sumner Tunnel and will help to establish Lynn as a multi-modal hub of transportation. Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll administration, our state delegation and the MBTA for working with the city to get this service implemented so quickly.”
The Lynn Ferry will operate through summer 2023 and beyond the scheduled tunnel closures until Columbus Day weekend. When the Sumner Tunnel reopens, Zone 2 fares will be accepted. The Lynn Ferry will operate again next summer 2024, with future schedules announced when they are finalized.
