Traveler, how about a duck tour to/from Logan?

Let’s solve travelers’ issues in travelers’ ways and maybe the only way that truly helps East Boston /.

Boston Logan International Airport, a vital gateway to New England, connects millions of travelers to one of the world’s most innovative regions. Yet, despite its proximity to urban centers, accessing Logan often frustrates travelers. While many point to insufficient public transit options, limited infrastructure is the underlying bottleneck. However, Infrastructure constraints, if addressed by more bridges or tunnels, would only intensify the economic and environmental burdens on East Boston, an Environmental Justice Community already coping with spillover airport traffic and other systemic challenges. Moreover, such projects would take years to complete, failing to address the immediate needs of both travelers and residents.

Instead of clinging to more road-based fixes, Boston should rethink how it links Logan to the city while easing the strain on East Boston. The solution is right in front of us, or, more accurately, all around us: Boston’s inner harbor, an underutilized natural resource. By embracing water-based transit, specifically iconic duck-tour-style amphibious buses, we could reduce congestion, improve air quality in East Boston, and provide travelers with a memorable introduction to the city. To benefit locals and visitors simultaneously, this solution is likely the most viable option, based on a thorough analysis of current alternatives.

Existing road-based options have merits but still fall short. The MBTA and Massport operate the Blue Line, Silver Line, and Logan Express, forming a decent network that reaches both downtown and the suburbs. Yet each option has its drawbacks. The Silver Line, despite being free and offering a direct route from South Station, often gets stuck in congested tunnels. The Blue Line is frequent but requires a shuttle transfer and doesn’t directly serve many popular destinations. Logan Express is convenient for certain suburban travelers but remains irrelevant for most urban users. Moreover, Logan’s proximity to the city makes ride-hailing relatively efficient, though not always affordable.

Proposing more road-based options, like micro-transit, won’t solve the underlying obstacle: limited infrastructure. Only three tunnels, totaling eight lanes, connect downtown Boston to East Boston and Logan. Meanwhile, two bridges link northern East Boston to Chelsea, but they are farther away and lack strong connections to densely populated areas. While these constraints make commuting to/from Logan inconvenient for travelers, they have far more lasting impacts on East Boston. The spillover airport traffic and pollution only compound the already difficult challenges faced by this working-class neighborhood.

Given these constraints, water-based transit is not a novel concept. The MBTA already operates a ferry from Logan to downtown, but it remains underused due to infrequent service and the required shuttle ride to the dock. With more direct, frequent, and reliable water connections, Boston’s inner harbor could become a vital transit corridor. In response, amphibious buses, rolling directly from the terminal into the harbor without the need for shuttle transfers, could connect Logan with South Station, North Station, and other key hubs. By utilizing existing harbor infrastructure, construction disruptions and costs can be minimized, offering a dual solution that benefits both travelers and East Boston.

This idea isn’t just theoretical. Boston Duck Tours have operated amphibious vehicles for decades, demonstrating the technology’s reliability and cost-feasibility. A pilot program could launch with a small fleet backed by public-private partnerships. Slightly higher ticket prices could be offset by subsidies, and the scenic, hassle-free ride would attract travelers. As demand grows, the fleet could expand and adopt autonomous navigation to cut costs. Off-peak, these vehicles could serve as tourist attractions, boosting revenue and efficiency.

There are hurdles. Severe weather might disrupt service occasionally, but when storms hit, air traffic declines, easing pressure on other transit options. While amphibious buses might be slower than traditional vehicles under ideal conditions, persistent congestion faced by other road-based options often negates this theoretical advantage. Concerns about seasickness are valid, but travelers can opt for alternative transit options or address symptoms with medication.

As travelers step off the plane, they shouldn’t face tangled roads and shuttle buses. Instead, let them glide across the harbor, greeted by Boston’s iconic skyline, a reflection of the city’s history, innovation, and promise, through a Bostonian experience reminiscent of the unique Duck Tours. Ultimately, this approach is likely the most practical solution to relieve East Boston from the relentless strain of airport traffic.