Bristol-Providence ferry service likely back next week

Ferry service between Bristol and Providence is on track to begin early next week, Rhode Island Department of Transportation director Peter Alviti signaled at a Friday press conference.

Alviti said that the department would “have everything in place to start Monday,” but 40-50 mph winds and rough seas are predicted.

“We will let you all know when we intend on actually beginning that service,” he said.

The ferry service will be free and operate continuously from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. There will be three boats in total, operated by Seastreak, which runs the summertime Newport-to-Providence ferries.

Charles St. Martin, a spokesman for RIDOT, said on Friday that he did not have information about how much the ferries would cost the state.

The ferries will run from the Thames Street terminal in Bristol to India Point Park in Providence. The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority will have shuttles on both ends. In Bristol, the shuttles will bring commuters to Colt State Park, where parking is available. In Providence, they will connect riders to other forms of mass transit such as the bus and train.