Historic New Ferry Added to Galveston to Port Bolivar Fleet

Just in time for the bustling spring break season, a new Galveston-to-Port Bolivar ferry has been added to the fleet.

The Texas Department of Transportation unveiled the new ferry during a ceremony on Friday, March 8. The ferry is named after a pioneer of Texas transportation infrastructure, Esperanza "Hope' Andrade.

Andrade was the first female chair of the Texas Transportation Commission and the first Latina Texas secretary of state. The ferry is the first to be named after a woman, and the first to be named after a Latina.

The Esperanza "Hope" Andrade ferry stretches 293 from bow to stern and features state-of-the-art propulsion technology and battery energy storage systems. Capable of accommodating 70 passenger vehicles and/or eight 18-wheelers per trip, the ferry services ensure a seamless flow of goods, services, and people along coastal highways.

The Galveston-to-Port Bolivar ferry service operates 24 hours a day, weather permitting. One ferry is in service during late night/early morning hours, and a second is added after 6:30 a.m. This new addition will allow a third ferry to be put in operation during peak times. It is a free service.

To view current ferry wait times and live cameras, visit the Houston Transtar website. To receive updates and the latest news regarding the ferry, follow Galveston Ferry on Twitter.

Friday's ceremony and christening was attended by The Honorable Esperanza “Hope” Andrade, Former Chair of the Texas Transportation Commission; The Honorable Rick Perry, Former Governor of Texas; Marc Williams, TxDOT Executive Director; and Eliza Paul, TxDOT Houston District Engineer.