Expanding the water transportation system in Boston Harbor

The evolution of the regional economy and residential land use have made the Boston Harbor a centerpiece of regional growth.

There is great interest in supplanting the existing water transportation options to increase accessibility as well as accommodate and encourage growth. Additionally, Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park requires water transportation in order to provide access to a vast recreational and historical area for residents and visitors.

Boston Harbor Now on behalf of multiple entities including, MassDOT and Massport, is seeking strategic planning and implementation advisory services to develop passenger ferry services in the Boston metropolitan area.

How we helped

Steer is leading a team that is assisting Boston Harbor Now in planning an expansion of the water transportation system that best meets the needs of the region’s residents and visitors at efficient levels of service and costs. The team is providing comprehensive business plans for potential ferry expansion including: site selection, demand modeling, market and feasibility analysis, vessel specification, financial modeling, and funding options.

Successes and outcomes

The project will produce business plans for two new passenger ferry routes. This study is intended to serve as a high-level guide for implementing the proposed routes, including funding, vessel procurement and environmental planning in the near term.