Downtown Ferry Moves to Blyden Terminal Aug. 15

Passengers traveling to downtown Charlotte Amalie to Cruz Bay by ferry will be making their connections at the Edward Wilmoth Blyden Marine Terminal, effective Aug. 15.

Changes in the boarding site were announced late last week by the Virgin Islands Port Authority, operator of marine ports in the territory. VIPA officials said passengers will now pass through a secure site about a quarter mile east of the established stop near the Coast Guard station on the waterfront.

The marine terminal across the street from the Emile Griffith Ballpark has, up until now, served those traveling to and from the British Virgin Islands. VIPA Executive Director David Mapp said a portion of Blyden Terminal is being set aside to accommodate domestic travelers.

“Transportation Services of St. John, Inc. and Varlack Ventures which provide inter-island service to and from St. John and the QE IV, which travels to and from St. Croix, are being relocated from the open area on the eastern end of the Waterfront bulkhead to the gated area near the Blyden Terminal. Boarding and disembarking will take place at the most eastern gate in the secured area on the bulkhead,” Director Mapp said.

‘The move is being implemented to improve customer service and the traveler’s experience at the Waterfront,” he said. As of Aug. 15 passengers will have access to enclosed seating, restrooms and a restaurant.

Taxi service is available on the terminal property.

St. John ferries have been providing service from the Cruz Bay Ferry Dock — now called the Loredon Boynes Ferry Dock — since downtown service was made part of their public service franchise agreement.

A ferry company employee said downtown service runs daily, less often during slower months. Commuters working in downtown Charlotte Amalie, frequent the service, as do vacationers headed to and from the Cyril E. King Airport.

However the ferry service worker did not have information as to whether St. John Ticketing would have counter space at Blyden Terminal as they do at the Loredon Boynes facility in Red Hook.

Those who would like more information on the relocation of the downtown ferry stop are asked to call Monifa Braithwaite in VIPA’s Public Information Office at 340-774-1629.