New York City's ferry system is set to expand its reach further, introducing direct boat rides between Brooklyn and Staten Island as of December 8th. This new development marks an exciting milestone in the city's efforts to revamp its transportation infrastructure, providing commuters with a fresh alternative to driving across the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.
The new routes will not only ease congestion but also tap into the growing demand for sustainable and efficient mass transit options. The ferry service connecting Brooklyn and Staten Island is expected to significantly reduce travel times between these two boroughs, making it an attractive option for residents and commuters alike.
Meanwhile, another new route has been announced that will link Throgs Neck in the Bronx with the Rockaways in Queens, offering a convenient two-hour connection for passengers traveling from East and Westchester counties. This addition to the ferry network is set to provide vital access to key neighborhoods on the Queens beachfront.
In response to growing demand for improved transportation options, the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) has been working tirelessly to refine its routes, optimize efficiency, and reduce costs. As EDC President and CEO Andrew Kimball noted, "The optimized routes will shorten commuter times, provide passengers with more places to go, and improve the overall efficiency of the system."
A major turning point came when the NYC Ferry system was launched in 2017, following years of debate over funding for the new service. Initially, critics raised concerns about the high subsidies that burdened taxpayers, citing costs of around $13 per rider. However, since its launch, the city has seen a significant reduction in these subsidies, with a current rate of $8.33 per rider.
Following this downward trend, Kimball announced that the agency anticipates further reductions to come, aiming for a new rate of $7 by 2028. He also emphasized the need for regular reviews of the ferry fare system, with every two years providing an opportunity to adjust and improve services.
As part of its ongoing efforts to expand and optimize the ferry network, the EDC released a new report on potential additions to the service, including stops in East Harlem and Sunset Park. The agency has also identified other sites for future consideration, such as Canarsie, Chelsea, Far Rockaway, JFK Airport, and LaGuardia Airport.
When asked about the demand from residents of Canarsie, Kimball highlighted the challenges that come with bringing ferry service to this area, citing concerns over a federally controlled pier site requiring coordination with the National Park Service. Nevertheless, the EDC remains committed to providing vital transportation options for its citizens and continues to work towards an ambitious future for New York City's ferry system.
The new routes will not only ease congestion but also tap into the growing demand for sustainable and efficient mass transit options. The ferry service connecting Brooklyn and Staten Island is expected to significantly reduce travel times between these two boroughs, making it an attractive option for residents and commuters alike.
Meanwhile, another new route has been announced that will link Throgs Neck in the Bronx with the Rockaways in Queens, offering a convenient two-hour connection for passengers traveling from East and Westchester counties. This addition to the ferry network is set to provide vital access to key neighborhoods on the Queens beachfront.
In response to growing demand for improved transportation options, the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) has been working tirelessly to refine its routes, optimize efficiency, and reduce costs. As EDC President and CEO Andrew Kimball noted, "The optimized routes will shorten commuter times, provide passengers with more places to go, and improve the overall efficiency of the system."
A major turning point came when the NYC Ferry system was launched in 2017, following years of debate over funding for the new service. Initially, critics raised concerns about the high subsidies that burdened taxpayers, citing costs of around $13 per rider. However, since its launch, the city has seen a significant reduction in these subsidies, with a current rate of $8.33 per rider.
Following this downward trend, Kimball announced that the agency anticipates further reductions to come, aiming for a new rate of $7 by 2028. He also emphasized the need for regular reviews of the ferry fare system, with every two years providing an opportunity to adjust and improve services.
As part of its ongoing efforts to expand and optimize the ferry network, the EDC released a new report on potential additions to the service, including stops in East Harlem and Sunset Park. The agency has also identified other sites for future consideration, such as Canarsie, Chelsea, Far Rockaway, JFK Airport, and LaGuardia Airport.
When asked about the demand from residents of Canarsie, Kimball highlighted the challenges that come with bringing ferry service to this area, citing concerns over a federally controlled pier site requiring coordination with the National Park Service. Nevertheless, the EDC remains committed to providing vital transportation options for its citizens and continues to work towards an ambitious future for New York City's ferry system.