RIDOT postpones Bristol-Providence ferry service due to ‘mechanical issue’

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Transportation announced Tuesday that its proposed ferry service to take commuters from Bristol to Providence has been postponed due to a mechanical issue.

Officials said an issue with the crane being used to position a floating dock for passengers to embark and disembark at the ferry terminal at India Point Park in Providence is the reason for the delay.

The new proposed start date for the ferry service is now Thursday, December 21. The service was previously expected to kick off Monday, Dec. 18, but was postponed due to weather conditions.

On Monday, RIDOT shared details for what commuters should know about using the proposed ferry service.

The service is set to run for 98 days total between Dec. 21, 2023 and March 29, 2024.