MBTA Harbor Island Express - Boston
Long Wharf
Boston, MA 02109
Phone: 617-222-6999
MBTA Harbor Express:
http://www.harborexpress.com/commuters/
Harbor Island Ferry: http://www.harborexpress.com/harborislands/
Recently my mom, Tony, Ric and I visited
Georges Island and were pleased how wheelchair accessible it is. We heard that Spectacle Island is even more accessible so this week we headed to this Boston Harbor Island. My friend Douglas had the day off so he came along for our adventure.
We traveled to Boston Long Wharf and purchased ferry tickets to Spectacle Island at the Ticket Kiosks on the dock next to the Boston Marriott Long Wharf. Ferry service to Boston Harbor Islands is provided by Water Transportation Alternatives, Inc., under contract to Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).
Here I found the Customer Service Window is NOT wheelchair accessible for it is too high. The cost of tickets is pricey for a short ferry ride. Once on the Spectacle Island everything is free except for the cost of food and beverages. My mom purchased our tickets to Spectacle Island. The cost of a ticket is: Adult $14.00; Senior (65+) $10.00; Child (3-11) $8.00; Children under 3 FREE. We were told there is NO DISCOUNT for disabled or persons in a wheelchair. We think there should be a discount for persons in wheelchairs because not all of the ferry is wheelchair accessible.
After purchasing our tickets we headed down a wide sloped walkway (ramp) leading to pier. The slope is gradual and it’s very accessible for wheelchairs and baby strollers. This ramp leads to the pier where you board the ferry. It is a floating pier that goes up and down with the tides as does the ferry so the pier is at the same level as the main deck of the ferry. Access onto the ferry is easy here. All passengers wheel/walk over a small accessible threshold ramp.
A wheelchair can ONLY fit in an open area in the front on the lower deck where you board the ferry. The upper level deck is NOT wheelchair accessible for there are steps. The booths like seats are NOT wheelchair accessible; the concession stand is NOT wheelchair accessible for it is too high for me to reach. Ric measured it and it is 47 inches high. The restroom on this ferry is located on the lower level where I was sitting. The restroom is NOT wheelchair accessible for the door is too narrow. The door measures only 24 inches wide and my chair is 27 inches wide.
I really enjoyed the ferry ride and the beautiful views of the skyline of Boston!!
I give Harbor Islands Express at Long Wharf in Boston THREE STARS for wheelchair accessibility. In order to earn the other Two Stars they need to lower the customer service window where you purchase a ticket to a wheelchair accessible height; provide a cost discount to wheelchair-seated travelers since not all the ferry is accessible; widen the restroom door; and lower a section of concession counter on the ferry.
August 10th, 2009 at 11:10 am
Hi Kenny,
I spoke with an MBTA representative this morning concerning discounted MBTA services for Individuals with Disabilities. There are two programs that offer discounts for customers with a Disability i.e. Persons with Disabilities & Passengers who are Blind/Visually Impaired; I have provided the applicable link for complete information on what is required to be presented when purchasing MBTA tickets, including boat service; http://www.mbta.com/fares_and_passes/reduced_fare_programs/
If an Individual has a Medicare Card they automatically qualify for a Transportation Access Pass (TAP) http://www.mbta.com/uploadedFiles/documents/ACCESS_PASS.pdf
It is important to have a photo ID available along with any other ID that qualifies an Individual for discounted service at specific facilities. MBTA discounts only apply to MBTA services or contracted service providers, of which must be indicated at the time of purchase. Private transportation services may not offer any discounts and are not required to by any law. I also recommend, for qualified Individuals to have a Travel/Identification Card with them at all times. This ID card can be obtained from The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind;
http://www.mbta.com/riding_the_t/accessible_services/default.asp?id=17163
Travel/Identification Card
The Commission for the Blind issues an Identification Card verifying registration as a legally blind person. Under Massachusetts law, any person who accepts a driver’s license for the purpose of identification in granting credit or cashing checks, must accept the Identification Card issued by the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind in the same way.
Certain bus and train companies grant free or reduced fares to legally blind persons traveling within the state. As these concessions are not required by law, individual companies may determine their own regulations. Travel on the MBTA is free to legally blind persons displaying the card.
To obtain the Identification Card or for further information, contact the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind Central Register Department.
For more information visit the MBTA website @ http://www.mbta.com/ and click on the fares & passes link at the top then scroll down to reduce fare programs.
If you are going to use the MBTA or any affiliated service in the future I recommend you go to the Back Bay Station or Down Town Crossing with the appropriate documents and/or ID to obtain a Reduced Fares pass & TAP ID.
Scott Ricker
Volunteer
Access Advocate