Report: 'Inner Harbor Connector' Could Reduce Traffic

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A new report from Baltimore's Department of Transportation recommends ways to reduce bumper-to-bumper traffic and grow the city's water ferry. The Inner Harbor Connector could one day include parking for passengers.

As Gigi Barnett explains, riders are already on board.

For most Baltimore commuters, rush hour is bumper-to-bumper and jam-packed. The city wants it to look more like a serene, free ferry ride on its Inner Harbor Connector.

"Who wouldn't want to ride a boat versus sitting behind a bumper, you know?" said passenger Sarah Hinkle.

Now a new report from the city's Department of Transportation is urging Baltimore to expand the Inner Harbor Connector. It also suggests that the city should add parking to give commuters more options to and from work in Canton, Harbor Point or downtown.

Riders can already see the possibilities.

"Say if you lived in Canton and worked at Under Armour, this would be a way to commute," said Patricia Lewis. "It's better for the environment. It's a nice ride."

"It 's going to help a lot of people. And free is always good," said Ray Moon.

"If you could take this to an O's game or a Ravens game, I think it would be great for the community and I think everyone would be all over that," said Katherine Edwards.

And that's what DOT believes, too.

The ferry has seen its daily ridership jump by 47 percent since it began back in 2010. Many of the passengers are headed to jobs at Under Armour, which has its own ferry landing.

There could be more landings built when energy giant Exelon is set to open its headquarters here in Baltimore next year.

"It's enjoyable, it's relaxing and it kind of gets you into your chi before work," Hinkle said.

The Inner Harbor Connector's three routes transported more than 200,000 people last year.

The study also suggests adding a fare for the riders within the next three to five years. A day pass could cost $5.