Complete Regional Transportation Plan 2012 - Cape Cod ...

of trips per year. Travelers can also be encouraged to use ferry service to reachdestinations accessible by automobile if there are convenient connections on both ends.For example, ferry users have reported an interest in a ferry connection between Hyannisand Boston because it is more convenient than driving to the ferry in Provincetown. Yet,ferry users said they were discouraged from taking the ferry to Boston because of howdifficult it is to get from the Boston Pier to public transportation according to a 1999Marine Transportation study by the Cape Cod Commission. This attitude may havechanged since the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) introduced the SilverLine rapid transit service. Addressing these concerns could lead to greater use of ferryservice and less automobile use on Cape Cod’s roads.2.5.7.1 Road Accessibility and ParkingAll ferry ports are accessible by major roads, which means that ferry terminals mustaccommodate traffic and parking needs. Although thousands of cars travel between themainland and Islands each year, most users park their cars before using the ferry. TheSteamship Authority operates four parking lots at their Hyannis facility and five lots attheir Woods Hole facility. Parking fees are up to $12 during the peak season and $8during the off-season. The Steamship Authority provides shuttle bus service betweentheir parking lots and the terminals. Additionally, the shuttle buses have bicycle rackscapable of accommodating two bicycles. The availability of parking space at these lots isposted online and reported on 1610AM. Other ferry service providers maintain theirown parking lots at their respective terminals. Parking fees, if any, vary by season and bythe amount of time parked. Given the current parking price structure, 39% of the publicsays they are more likely to ride the ferry, while only 18% say they are less likely to rideaccording to a 1999 Marine Transportation study by the Cape Cod Commission. Thus,the existing parking price structure acts as an incentive, making ferry service affordableand accessible to the public. Public automobile transportation is also generally available.Ferry users can arrange pick up by taxi service and rental car service on request.Cape Cod Regional Transportation Plan | August 2011Chapter 2.5: Water TransportationPage 215