Bristol-Providence ferry service begins after delays due to weather, mechanical issue

BRISTOL, R.I. (WLNE) — The first Seastreak ferry service from Bristol to Providence began Thursday morning.

The first ferry of the day left the State Street dock at 6 a.m. Service will run every half hour until 7 p.m.

Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti said the ferry can hold as many as 500 passengers, transporting up to 1,000 people each hour.

The free service was created to help commuters during the closure of the Washington Bridge.

The Seastreak ferry begins service from Bristol to Providence, Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023. (WLNE)

The ferry will dock in India Point Park in Providence and a shuttle will take people to the train station.

Free parking will be available for commuters in both communities.

Those coming from Bristol can park at Colt State Park and take a shuttle to the State Street dock on Thames Street. In Providence, there will be about 120 free parking spaces at the India Street dock.

The service was postponed multiple times this week after Monday’s storm and later due to a mechanical issue.

It will be available to commuters for three months while the Washington Bridge is repaired.