As traffic along I-95 and other major regional highways steadily increases, and large-scale development continues along the banks of the Potomac, Anacostia, and Occoquan rivers, urban planners in Virginia and Maryland are once again considering high-speed ferry service across the rivers. Prince William County’s supervisor Frank Principi refers to other cities that have successful ferry systems, and advocates for one to be implemented here.
Interested parties in Maryland’s Prince George’s and Charles Counties, and Virginia’s City of Alexandria and Fairfax County have hired Tim Payne as a consultant for the proposed project. He will study several factors including where to locate the five potential terminals in order to maximize usability and access. Payne points out that recent development could bolster the appeal of a ferry system: the National Harbor compound in Prince George’s County has increased volume along the Maryland side of the Potomac, and ferry service to Nationals Park along the Anacostia could alleviate many of the traffic woes associated with the baseball team. There are also more people working at Fort Belvoir than ever before.
Before any actual planning occurs, county supervisors need to calculate potential volume, sustainability, and cost.
