June 22, 2006
HEALEY LAUNCHES FERRY SERVICE FOR SALEM TO BOSTON
Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey today joined Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll and state and local officials on the maiden voyage of a new high-speed ferry that will begin service between Salem and Boston this Saturday.
“This ferrywill give North Shore residents another way to reach Boston without getting in the car,” said Healey before departing from Central Wharf in downtown Boston to enjoy the first run on the high-speed catamaran. “The high-speed ferry will also benefit local businesses by making all of Salem’s historic destinations that much more accessible to visitors.”
According to city officials, the high-speed catamaran will run from May to October, making six to eight round-trips per day and accommodating 149 passengers per trip. The ferry ride will take approximately 45 minutes.
“This is a great day that has been long in the making,” said Transportation Secretary John Cogliano. “The City of Salem is to be commended for bringing the need for this ferry to the attention of Lt. Governor Healey, and we at the state level are excited to help make this service a reality.”
In 1998, the Executive Office of Transportation (EOT) funded a trial ferry program along the same route between June and October of that year. During this time period, the service was successful and proved its viability for both the tourist trade and commuter runs to Boston.
Last month, Healey awarded Salem with a $2.3 million grant, funded through EOT, to help subsidize the purchase cost of the vessel.
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