City Invests in Commuter Ferry Service Study

Alexandria is investing $5,000 into the Northern Virginia Regional Commission’s market analysis of a potential commuter ferry service on the Potomac, Occoquan and Anacostia rivers.

The City Council approved the allocation of funds during its meeting Tuesday.

“We’re only going to benefit from something like this,” Alexandria Vice Mayor Kerry Donley said. “We have a lot of the infrastructure already in place in terms of docks and service suppliers.”

The market analysis is one in a series of studies that will determine the viability of reliable commuter ferry service in the region, which aims to help reduce the number of single-occupant vehicles and congestion on the roadways.

“Commuter paths are now changing and people are looking for alternatives,” Donley said. “We are a destination for employment. We are the second largest city in the region.”

Possible origin and destination points for the ferry service include Woodbridge, Fort Belvoir, Mount Vernon estate, Old Town, National Harbor, Reagan National Airport, the Pentagon, Washington Navy Yard, Nationals Park, the Anacostia Waterfront and others.

City staff said the Alexandria waterfront’s access to the King Street Metro station by the King Street trolley is something planners see as a major benefit to the project.

The city was asked to commit more money to the study, which will cost $300,000 in total, but settled on the $5,000 minimum. Prince William County’s $75,000 pledge is the highest among stakeholders.

“I think this is a really a good investment of our dollars,” Councilwoman Del Pepper said. “It will give us a seat at the table and give us an opportunity to hear everything coming forward.”