Senator Edwards Secures Key Improvements for Winthrop & East Boston Ferry Ahead of March 30 Service Resumption; Service Returns with New Contactless Payment Option
- Lydia Edwards
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
With spring ferry service launching in less than a week, key improvements led by Senator Lydia Edwards will soon be in full effect for ferry commuters.
(Boston, MA – March 24, 2026) – With spring ferry service set to resume next week, State Senator Lydia Edwards is highlighting a series of key advancements that will improve reliability and accessibility for residents of East Boston and Winthrop.
Beginning this season, all MBTA ferry routes will feature contactless payment, making boarding faster and more convenient for riders. These upgrades come as a part of a broader set of investments and policy changes championed by Senator Edwards to strengthen ferry service across the region.
“Ferry service is a critical mode of transportation for our coastal communities,” said Senator Edwards. “These improvements reflect our commitment to making commutes faster, more reliable, and more accessible for all, especially working families in East Boston and Winthrop.”
Spring Ferry Schedule Start Dates
East Boston Ferry
Weekday service begins Monday, March 30
Weekend service Begins Saturday, April 4
Winthrop Ferry
Weekday service begins Monday, April 27
Weekend service begins Saturday, May 23
Delivering Results for Ferry Riders
Senator Edwards has made ferry service a top priority, securing significant investments and policy wins in the FY26 budget and beyond, including:
Service Expansion Planning: Co-sponsored a provision directing the MBTA to study the cost and feasibility of expanding ferry service hours and adding new stops, including Liberty Plaza in East Boston, while requiring detailed ridership reporting to the Legislature.
Infrastructure Investment: Secured $1.5 million for the planning and construction of a new ferry dock in the East Boston Designated Port Area
Improved Winthrop Service added two ferry boats to the Winthrop/Quincy line, cutting commute times in half and introducing a long-awaited direct route between Boston and Winthrop.
Ferry Shuttle Service: Delivered $50,000 for a Winthrop ferry shuttle service to better connect residents and reduce congestion.
Transforming Ferry Service in Winthrop
In partnership with local leaders and residents, Senator Edwards has helped transform ferry service in Winthrop by:
Adding an airport stop
Adding weekend service
Transitioning operations to the MBTA, saving Winthrop over $100,000 a year
Cutting commute times to and from Boston from approximately 50 mins to 20 mins
Securing a dedicated ferry boat, the Harbor Gem
Launching a seasonal shuttle to manage traffic
Continuing to advocate for year-round service and fare equity
“These investments are about more than just transportation – they’re about equity and access,” Edwards added. “We’re building a ferry system that truly works for our communities.”
For more information on ferry schedules, visit mbta.com/schedules/ferry. To learn more about contactless payments, visit mbta.com/fares/charlie/tap-ride.
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