Uber Ferry Service Launched in East Boston

City Councilor Sal LaMattina celebrates the launch of UberBOAT in East Boston with Uber’s General
Manager Meghan Joyce.

Uber, the widely popular mobile application taxi service, is launching a new ferry service in East Boston and the Boston Harbor and City Councilor Sal LaMattina is elated.

LaMattina welcomed Uber General Manager Meghan Joyce to Boston last week for the launch of UberBOAT and discussed the new ferry service coming to Eastie.

On June 4, Joyce and Uber began a soft launch of UberBOAT. LaMattina said the service will run through June 15 (throughout Eastie Week) and Uber will measure the success and demand and go from there.

Stops in Eastie will include the Hyatt Harborside Hotel and the Boston Harbor Shipyard and Marina near K.O. Pies.

“I’m a huge fan of Uber and this is part of my plan to really activate the Boston Harbor and connect all the Harbor neighborhoods through water usage like ferries,” said LaMattina. “Once you see more waterfront development come on line in East Boston with dedicated landing slips for water taxis and ferry service you will see a more active harbor. UberBOAT will help bring people over to our neighborhood, especially during Eastie week to enjoy or events, restaurants, greenway and other amenities.”

How it works;

If you are new to Uber you must first download the Uber app on your mobile device. When you’re within a ¼ mile of the Boston Harbor, you’ll see the “UberBOAT” option in your app. You can then place the pin at the dock location nearest to you and tap “REQUEST UberBOAT”. Once your request has been accepted, the captain will give you a call to confirm your location and provide additional details on reaching the dock.

The cost of UberBOAT is $10 per person for a one-way ride plus a $1 Uber booking fee. Twenty percent gratuity is automatically added for the captain by default.

The service will be available June 4 – June 15, Monday-Saturday: 6:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. and on Sunday, 6:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.

New users can sign up with the promo code UberBOAT14 and get the first two rides free.

During the launch Joyce commented, “You can use the Uber app to request a water taxi, powered by Boston Harbor Cruises. Make waves as you ride to your favorite Seaport restaurant. Sail over to the ICA for First Friday. Add a splash of fun to your morning commute – or even a quick cruise to or from Logan. Catching a flight has never been so easy.”