Ferry Co. Aims To Serve Block Island From Quonset

Charles A. Donadio, Jr., is looking to bring a wide array of ferry services to Quonset. The owner of Rhode Island Fast Ferry already operates daily high-speed ferry service to Martha's Vineyard. Now Donadio has set his sights on Block Island. He's applied to the state Public Utilities Commission – which oversees ferry companies – to provide the passenger service. Once he gets the ok, he said, he will be ordering a new ferry boat.

Donadio began high-speed ferry service from Quonset to Martha's Vineyard 11 years ago. You can't bring a car, but bicycles and luggage are good. 

R.I. Fast Ferry has two piers now, with a second dock completed just this spring. That dock will come in handy if and when service to Block Island begins. He sees beyond that to other tourist-oriented services, including lighthouse tours and dinner cruises. 

"I think it’s great for Quonset. We’re looking to become a major transportation hub," said Donadio. Shuttle bus service between the ferry and both Amtrak and Green Airport is available at the site.

Donadio founded Island High Speed Ferry in 1998. That company provided high-speed ferry service to Block Island from Point Judith. He sold it in 2001 and it was bought out by Interstate Navigation shortly after that. Interstate Navigation is the exclusive ferry operator from mainland Rhode Island to Block Island, but Donadio said that's not in the best interest of the consumer.

Choice for the consumer is good, he said. 

In addition, he said, it will decrease traffic heading down to the beaches and will bring more people to Block Island, people without cars who will spend money on the island.