HULL — Leaders from the Towns of Cohasset, Hingham, Hull and Scituate co-hosted a “Ride the Ferry Day” to encourage riders from the region to take the MBTA’s Hingham-Hull Ferry into Boston as a way of opposing the MBTA’s proposed service cuts.
Commuters were encouraged to take either the 7:30 a.m. ferry out of Hull or the 7:45 ferry out of Hingham on the morning of Thursday, Nov. 19.
Elected officials from the Towns of Cohasset, Hingham, Hull and Scituate, along with members of the local State Delegation, organized the event to raise awareness of the proposed MBTA service cuts that would drastically reduce Commuter Rail service (including the Greenbush Line that serves each of the four towns), the elimination of the Hingham-Hull Ferry, and the elimination of the 714 bus route that runs from Station Street in Hingham to Pemberton Point in Hull.
“These cuts would impact so many people throughout the South Shore, from those who ride the ferry everyday and essential workers who take the Greenbush line on nights and weekends, to local business owners and people who rely on public transportation to get into the city for important medical appointments,” Hull Town Manager Phil Lemnios said. “We thank those who took part in ‘Ride the Ferry Day’ and encourage everyone to contact the MBTA directly and tell them that the proposed cuts are unacceptable.”
Among those who took the ferries Thursday were everyday riders as well as community advocates who have been voicing their opposition to the proposed cuts since they were announced last month as part of the T’s Forging Ahead plan.
“I’ve been riding the ferry for several years, and these cuts would be devastating to many,” said ferry rider Chris Lanoe. “I am considered an essential worker, and the ferry is essential to me being able to get into the city. In fact, the ferry is one of the main reasons I moved to Hull in the first place, and if it were to go away, I honestly don’t know what I would do.”
State Rep. Joan Meschino, who represents each of the four towns, and State Rep. James Murphy, who represents the towns of Hingham and Weymouth, both rode the Hull ferry as part of the event.
Rep. Meschino called the ferry a “lifeline” for her constituents.
“This ferry is a critical service for the residents of my district, and is vital to the economic vitality of the entire region,” Rep. Meschino said. “It is important that we not only push to retain the service as much as possible, but also make sure we are able to restore any services once the pandemic is over.”
The Towns of Cohasset, Hingham, Hull and Scituate have launched the “Save the Greenbush-Save the Boat” campaign to voice their strong opposition to the MBTA’s proposed cuts to transit services. Town leaders have been encouraged by the response the campaign has received and thank the riders who came out to support “Ride the Ferry Day.”
Residents are urged to submit their comments to the MBTA Advisory Board by emailing publicengagement@mbta.com.
###