The fourth Commuter Fast Ferry Summit drew more than 75 people to the Dockmaster Building at the Wharf in Washington, D.C.
Participants, including elected officials, transportation agencies, private businesses and citizens, discussed the results of the Infrastructure Gap Analysis study while ferries traveled to and from the Wharf along the Potomac River in the background. This study confirmed that there is a market to support commuter fast ferry from Woodbridge to Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, and other destinations in Washington, D.C. The study’s lead consultant told the crowd that with a public-private partnership in place, commuting by ferry from Woodbridge could be a reality in two to three years.
“One of the questions that’s been asked is, ‘If we build it, will they come?’” said Tim Payne, head of the Seattle-based firm Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates, which conducted the study.
According to his study, about 6,000 Virginians are employed at the Department of Homeland Security and military bases in Southeast or in Southwest who commute from Woodbridge and live within a 30-minute drive of the proposed dock sites.
By Prince William Living
