MBTA general manager fields complaints during ride on Boston Harbor ferry that may be discontinued

By Peter Schworm, Globe Staff

They say the ferry ride across Boston Harbor into the city is relaxing. It wasn’t this morning for the general manager of the MBTA.

Commuters angry over the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority plan to eliminate ferry service from the South Shore voiced their disapproval this morning to general manager Jonathan Davis throughout a 25-minute ride from Hull to Boston.

Passengers getting on board in Hull.

“I really depend on this service,” said Rhoda Kanet, 65, of Hull. “To even think about eliminating it makes absolutely no sense, and would hurt a lot of people. This should be a priority.”

Facing a major budget deficit, state transportation officials last month unveiled a plan that would raise subway fares by up to 70 cents and dramatically cull bus routes, eliminate ferries, and end weekend commuter rail trains.

Davis said he understood the importance of the ferry service, but the agency faces a financial reckoning.

“We don’t take pleasure at having these proposals,” he said. “But we have a $161 million deficit. We can’t afford the services we have now.”

But commuters said the ferries, which are operated by a private company, are a crucial link to the city.

“I can’t spend two extra hours on the Greenbush,” said Alison Angel, 55, who takes the ferry from Hull en route to the Longwood medical area.

Before the 9 a.m. ferry left for Boston, scores of commuters surrounded Davis on the dock, holding “Save The Boat” signs.