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I'm feeling cooler and warmer already! Or maybe it's just good old hot flashes. If this is such a great idea and it certainly sounds like fun, why does the federal government need to subsidize the ferry? The service failed once because federal subs were withdrawn so I wonder what has changed between that time and today to make this proposed service viable? What market forces have now made this seem viable?
I'm feeling cooler and warmer already! Or maybe it's just good old hot flashes. If this is such a great idea and it certainly sounds like fun, why does the federal government need to subsidize the ferry? The service failed once because federal subs were withdrawn so I wonder what has changed between that time and today to make this proposed service viable? What market forces have now made this seem viable?
I believe they are looking for a private boating co. this time instead of doing a RIPTA thing. The RIPTA ferry was fine but it was quite a cheap fare (Like $7 round trip or something) and I think it wasn't sustainable once the grant expired.
It was always privately operated; RIPTA just administered the contract. It was $8 one way in 2007, going up to $9 in 2008 because of fuel prices. I seem to recall that without the subsidy, the fare would have had to rise to $35 to continue operating, but I could be imagining that.
I think it would be fun for "casual summer visitors" but commuters? If it takes 65 minutes, that's about the same time it would take to get on the bus in Providence and travel, with all the stops included, through EP, Barrington, Warren, Bristol, Portsmouth, Middletown and finally arrive in Newport.
I'm not sure if I can see a ferry attracting a critical mass of commuters, but it could be a great vehicle for tourism. Newport gets loads of it; I think Providence has a lot of progress to make to reach its tourism potential. You can promote a ferry to Newport tourists -- take a nice boat ride, see a different part of Rhode Island for the day. Do some package deals with discounted attractions in Providence. The beauty part is that you don't need a government subsidy! Tourists will pay $35 for the round trip.
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