This will be the third weekend that visitors — and locals — have another option for traveling between Newport and Providence, as the Seastreak ferry stops in Bristol Harbor.

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has relaunched the seasonal Providence-Newport Ferry service, with an added bonus: twice-daily weekend stops in Bristol.

According to DOT spokesman Charles St. Martin, the initial ridership between Providence and Newport has been very busy, with about 50 passengers using the Bristol port per stopover. Though a 2018 DOT study found ferry passengers spent about $78 per person in Newport per visit, it is unclear what kind of economic impact Bristol will see. Anecdotally, local merchants are not reporting a noticeable impact.

“A good thing to note is that this is just the first season of service to Bristol,” said Mr. St. Martin. “The DOT is making a coordinated effort with the town, the East Bay Chamber, and the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation to promote and encourage both visitors and East Bay residents to use this ferry.”

Tickets are available by calling 1-800-BOATRIDE, or visiting the Bristol Maritime Center, 127 Thames St. (a short walk away from the embarkation point at the State Street Pier.) Advanced reservations are strongly recommended.