Future Lynn
Commuter Ferry Demo'd

(EDIC), along with state and city officials, who have been working toward achieving this endeavor for five years now. The addition of a ferry could help Lynn capitalize on its waterfront, which many consider to be its biggest asset for economic development and growth.

When the ferry is, fingers crossed, in full swing two and half years from now, it will be located off the Lynnway, docked along Blossom Street, and keep a regular schedule to meet commuters needs, dropping passengers at Boston’s Long Wharf.. Unlike Salem’s ferry which operates from April to October and caters mostly to tourists, Lynn’s will operate year round.

“In general, people are looking at alternative transportation in and out of Boston especially with the high cost of gas these days,” said James Cowdell, executive director of the EDIC, he anticipates that the ferry, whether leased or purchased by the city, will be the same size as Salem’s, which can carry 149 passengers.

Cowdell, who has talked with folks that take the Quincy and Hingham Ferries, says “They are very passionate about their commute. They would tell you how peaceful and quiet the trip is compared to driving or taking the T.” He believes that it becomes a personal preference. “Once you take the trip (into Boston) via a ferry I think you’ll never go back to driving or taking the T.”

The ferry will not only provide Lynners with a commute into the city, but also bring in other North Shore residents to the city. “Originally people seemed to think this was a far-fetched idea. I think it puts Lynn in a positive light and is a much needed project. You will find once this is up and running that commuters will come from Lynn, Nahant, Swampscott and Marblehead,” said Cowdell.

Cory Jackson, downtownlynn.com blogger and one of the many community leaders that attended Wednesday’s ferry ride, believes the acquisition of a ferry will lead to a more vibrant and healthy waterfront. “We have a beautiful waterfront and this ferry project is just the beginning of the joy we’re going to get out of it now that we have the entire city working to make it become a reality.”

Jackson carries an idealistic outlook for what the ferry will bring in the long-term for the city. “I’m hopeful that other services will soon follow this to take us from Lynn to the Boston Harbor Islands, to Rockport, to Newburyport, to Charlestown, etc.

The notion that the entire city is working toward making this project come to fruition resonated with the jovial feeling everyone had about the project aboard the ferry Wednesday.

“Senator McGee, Representative Steven Walsh, and all of our city officials seem to be embracing this. It’s one of the few times I’ve seen everyone in such violent agreement,” Jackson said.

With the Blue Line expansion to Lynn practically moot, Jackson has faith that the ferry has the real possibility of succeeding. Jackson wrote in an email, “Being the 9th largest city in Massachusetts, it only makes sense to have more transportation options out of Lynn to get to Boston.”

The ride is peaceful, the views spectacular, and will most definitely be worth trading in the frustration that inevitably comes with MBTA rail and subway services or driving, for a more relaxing and enjoyable experience.