The Providence to Newport Ferry is coming back with increased service this summer.
The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation and the state Department of Transportation announced today the return of the ferry service, which drew thousands last summer.
For the 2017 tourist season, the ferry will provide more trips with an additional round trip ferry each day and an extended operation season. The season kicks off on Friday, June 16th and runs through Sunday, October 1.
Tickets can be purchased online at seastreak.com. Tickets will also be available at the ferry terminal at 25 India Street in Providence beginning in early June and from June16th on at The Newport terminal at Perrotti Park at 39 America’s Cup Avenue. Advance reservations are recommended, especially for weekend trips, which were often sold out last year.
The ferry is a great way to beat the traffic that clogs Newport during the busy summer season. It also affords a scenic trip along Narragansett Bay.
The ferry service was established in July, 2016. In its first year, the service provided 33,000 trips, with ridership about 20 percent higher than expected. Almost 20 percent of trips sold out.
“This is a wonderful way for visitors and residents to easily experience even more of the Ocean State,’’ said Lara Salamano, chief marketing officer for the state commerce corporation.
