Marina Bay Ferry A Hit With Commuters And Tourists

QUINCY (CBS) - The temporary Marina Bay Ferry launched back on August 1st with the hopes of proving that permanent ferry service should return to Quincy. The program, now halfway complete, has been a hit with local residents like Kevin Brennan.

"It's very convenient. I think a lot of business people should start using it in the morning because it's only a 25-minute ride into Boston, versus getting in the car which is much longer," he told WBZ-TV.

Earlier this year, Winthrop started its own municipally run ferry service, a 73-seat passenger boat called "The Valkyrie." As a partnership between the city of Winthrop, the city of Quincy and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the ferry began providing service to and from Squantum Point Park and Rowes Wharf.

"We felt it was a good opportunity to test it. What is the real public interest of the people that want to use it, and we've had an overwhelming positive response," said Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch.

During the first five weeks of service almost half of all fares were from passengers heading to or from Quincy. During that same time period 817 cars paid to park at the Squantum Point parking lot.

"The beauty is there's nobody against this. I think over the next year or two we should have something more permanent in place," said Mayor Koch.

While most people plan on using the ferry to get to work, others are just enjoying the ride. Sheila and Paul Ilott are visiting from England.

"It's been brilliant. This is the second time we've used it," Sheila said.

Winthrop resident Marty Levine has a different plan.

"Six dollars and 50 cents, I'm taking a cruise. You can't beat the price. I waited for a beautiful day and I'm not getting off the boat."

The trial program ends in October.

For more information on the September ferry schedule, tickets and parking rates visit mbferry.com