35 people have used Bristol-Providence Ferry so far

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Transportation said that 35 people used the new Bristol-Providence Ferry on its first day of service.

Chief of Public Affairs Charles St. Martin said that number was the currently available number through noon on Thursday.

He added that RIDOT will evaluate per day ridership in order to determine demand and contain costs.

“There are three agreements: maximum cost is $25,000 per day with SeaStreak, $13,200 per day with Interstate Navigation, and $12,500 per day with Rhode Island Fast Ferry, for 98 days,” St. Martin said. “This does not include fuel, which would be a maximum of $1.2 million, and barge rental and mobilization/demobilization costs (approximately $358,000).”

There is currently no available actual per-rider cost.

He also said that the department plans to “step down” services based on demand, “which would significantly lower the total final cost.”

“The service will be evaluated daily, and RIDOT has a two-week cancellation option with each ferry provider to give the state the most amount of flexibility to adjust service to meet ridership demands,” St. Martin said.