D.C. hydrofoil ferry proposal could cut Potomac commute times in half
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An electric hydrofoil ferry cruises in the waters of central Stockholm. Photo: Narciso Contreras/Anadolu via Getty Images
Washington is renewing discussions about launching a ferry commuter service.
Why it matters: There have long been talks about running ferries on the Potomac and Anacostia, but concerns like costs and feasibility previously waylaid plans.
- But now the idea could finally be gaining traction, thanks to a new type of boat service that's cheaper, more sustainable and faster.
Driving the news: Officials last week presented an early feasibility study envisioning a commuter service using hydrofoil ferries.
- These are small electric boats with underwater wings that lift the hull above the water's surface, reducing wake — which could allow them to travel faster on the local rivers' no-wake zones, says Emeka Moneme, president of the Navy Yard Business Improvement District, which conducted the study in partnership with the Southwest Business Improvement District.
- Potential stops include Georgetown, Buzzard Point, Navy Yard, Old Town and National Harbor.
What they're saying: A hydrofoil ferry line would be a natural extension of all the development that's transformed D.C.'s waterfront over the past two decades, Moneme tells Axios.
- "This project takes it to the next level," he says, making the waterway a place you "can live on" and "move on."
- Plus, it's an enjoyable way to commute, especially east to west across the city, he says, likening it to the Acela, but on water.
Zoom in: The goal would be to make this cheaper and faster than the existing water taxis from Alexandria, and to price this competitively with other transit options like Metro, Moneme says.
- A trip from Georgetown to the Wharf to Navy Yard takes about 45 minutes when a boat's speed is limited by wake restrictions, he says.
- That trip would take about 24 minutes with a hydrofoil — basically half the time.
Other stops being floated include Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Poplar Point and National Landing/DCA.
- "We've been fielding a lot of calls and interest from jurisdictions that want to be included," says Moneme.
Reality check: All of this is hypothetical. There's more for the group to study, with next steps being focused on cost and funding, Moneme says.
- Still to be determined are what the actual details — like ferry route, ticket cost and infrastructure build-out — would look like.
What we're watching: The group wants to see how the ferries would actually work in the area by eventually launching a pilot, possibly at the District stops, Moneme says.