As a result of dramatic growth in fast ferry usage over the past few years the NRTA Advisory Board, in conjunction with the Board of Selectmen, recently approved a new, comprehensive Park & Ride bus system for this summer season. The service will operate from May 22 to October 13, 2014 daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. This is a pilot program and, if it is successful, the NRTA will continue to operate it in the future.
Buses will run between the Park and Ride lot located at 2 Fairgrounds and both Hy-Line Cruises and Steamship Authority fast ferries. The connections will be timed to meet each arriving and departing fast ferry throughout the day until 8 p.m. Parking is free and is available overnight with free fares on the bus for boat users, thanks to financial contributions from ReMain Nantucket, Hy-Line Cruises, The Steamship Authority, Nantucket Island Resorts, Stop & Shop, The Nantucket Hotel, and Nantucket Bank.
The goal of this program is to alleviate congestion and reduce the number of vehicles presently parking in town when their occupants use the fast ferry services. Although everyone using the fast ferries of both Hy-Line and the Steamship Authority will be encouraged to use this new service, one of the primary goals is to reduce the number of off-island commercial vehicles left overnight in town and to provide an easy overnight parking solution for islanders leaving the island.
The Park and Ride Lot at 2 Fairgrounds Road is a convenient choice for overnight parking, and there is a large area available to park cars on this town owned site. Because it is bisected by many of the islands major roadways, the lot is perfectly situated as a park and ride and shuttle bus location.
For details visit the NRTA website at www.nrtawave.com or stop by the NRTA Administrative Office located at 3 East Chestnut Street.
