The MBTA is rolling out a new weekday ferry route, the F10 "Harbor Loop," with service set to start Monday, June 29. The year-round line is built for commuters and will link Lovejoy Wharf near North Station, Central Wharf by the New England Aquarium, the Seaport's Commonwealth Pier and Logan Airport.
The Harbor Loop will run only during weekday peak periods, with trips roughly every 30 minutes in the morning and evening and a gap in the middle of the day. Fares will line up with Zone 1A subway pricing, and riders can pay using contactless Tap to Ride, cash, credit cards or the mTicket app. Stored value on CharlieCards will not be accepted on the ferries.
Route and schedule
The F10 will serve four stops in the harbor: Lovejoy Wharf, Central Wharf, the Seaport and Logan Airport. In the mornings the boat will operate counterclockwise around the loop, then switch to clockwise service in the evenings.
Morning trips are scheduled from about 6:10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., with evening service running from about 3:55 p.m. to 7:50 p.m. There will be no Harbor Loop departures between 11:30 a.m. and 3:55 p.m., and during the morning and evening peaks boats are expected about every half hour, according to Boston 25 News.
Gov. Maura Healey has framed the Harbor Loop as a way to make it easier for commuters, residents and visitors to move among some of Boston's busiest waterfront destinations while tightening connections across the MBTA network. Interim Secretary and General Manager Phillip Eng added that "water transportation has been embraced by the public," comments included in the MBTA's own announcement and reported by Boston 25 News.
Where this fits in the system
The Harbor Loop is the latest piece of a broader MBTA push to grow its water transportation offerings. Recent seasons have seen the agency add larger vessels and new Seaport-area stops, a trend highlighted last year by Boston.com.
Under MBTA arrangements, Bay State Cruise Company will operate the Harbor Loop. The company has already handled Lovejoy Wharf to Seaport service and other harbor routes over the years, a role detailed in a ferry inventory prepared by the Central Transportation Planning Staff, which notes Bay State Cruises' long presence on regional routes.
Fares and how to ride
One-way fares on the F10 will match Zone 1A pricing, at $2.40 for a standard ticket and $1.10 for reduced fare. Riders can pay on board with contactless Tap to Ride, cash or credit cards, or purchase tickets through the mTicket app.
MBTA passes or stored value on CharlieCards will not work on ferry routes. For full schedules, service notices and additional details, the agency is directing customers to its online ferry information at the MBTA ferry page.
What riders should expect
The Harbor Loop is designed to supplement, not replace, existing Seaport ferry service, giving Seaport and Logan Airport commuters more consistent options during peak hours. Riders boarding at the Aquarium or near North Station will be able to connect with subway lines and with other ferry routes at Long Wharf and Central Wharf, which is meant to improve transfers for people traveling to jobs, housing and Logan Airport.
