To the editor:

I was delighted and impressed with the ferry service, which was arranged so quickly in December after the Washington Bridge catastrophe. It was a good idea, if perhaps too enthusiastically implemented.

I rode it myself to Providence, enjoying the relaxing and scenic ride. I then stopped at PVD Donuts, and walked the mile up South Main Street to get my hair cut, and even stopped at Trader Joe’s before boarding the return ferry back home with my purchases. There were a number of people from other parts of the state on the ferry taking the cruise into Bristol just to have a walkabout and a meal.

I wholeheartedly agree with King Steve’s letter in the Feb. 15 Phoenix advocating a continued water option for commuters. We certainly are gifted with natural waterways, and the necessary ferry docks are already in place. Why not utilize them more fully?

We've got bike paths and routes; let’s encourage purposeful use of them. While bicycle riding is not permitted on the beautiful $22 million pedestrian bridge in Providence, which links neighborhoods on both sides of the river, a bike is allowed if walked over the bridge. Why not try to promote linking these travel ways up and see how it goes? With the worst of the winter almost behind us, couldn’t we search for options using ferry service to Providence in the upcoming fair weather months and try to pivot away a little from the same old option of car travel?

According to the 2019 American Community Survey, 85% residents drive alone to work, 3% use public transit, 1% walk, and less than 1% bike. Highlighting the importance of creating more opportunities for alternative modes of transportation and investing in public transit and infrastructure for bicycle and pedestrian facilities

This could be an opportunity, albeit emerging from an unfortunate occurrence, to take a fresh look at alternatives, and align with the initiative to transition away from the car culture.

Jean Sharac
Richmond Street