A new company is working to introduce a new kind of rush into Boston’s rush hour with the launch of the Wada Hoppah, an all-electric ferry designed to carry passengers between Watertown and Boston.
Reducing Traffic Congestion
The ferry aims to give commuters and visitors a new way to bypass traffic on Storrow Drive, Memorial Drive, and other jam-packed roads along the Charles River. The founder of Wada Hoppah, Drew Rollert, gave NBC10 Boston an exclusive first look at the boat, which he hopes to launch in the coming weeks.
The plan is to connect Watertown to Boston and back, carrying a dozen or more passengers with stops along the way. Fares will be around $12-$15. Rollert said the idea came to him after he missed a Red Sox game because of traffic.
Environmental Benefits
The Wada Hoppah is fully electric and designed to be low wake, with the goal of moving through the water with as little disruption as possible. The company plans to offer a passenger experience that could include coffee, wine, or other beverages on board.
The Department of Conservation and Recreation said it has been working with the company as it develops the concept for a Charles River water shuttle and continues to engage with Rollert’s team. Before the ferry can begin carrying passengers, DCR would need to issue a permit.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
