If you ask us we’d rather hop on the ferry to our destination than walk underground into the pits of hell–sorry, we mean NYC’s subway system–any day. There’s just something about swapping dirty subway air and dripping ceiling water for fresh air and stunning views along the way that just makes us feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
The caveat: depending on where you live and where you’re going taking the ferry may not necessarily make sense, but that’s about to change! For the first time since first launching eight years ago, the NYC Ferry system is proposing major route changes–and even more, they want your feedback.
The city’s Economic Development Corporation (EDC), the department that oversees the NYC Ferry, is proposing route changes that include the following:
- Splitting the East River into two different routes
- Combining the Soundview and Rockaway routes, getting Rockaway route riders to Midtown and E 90th St and filling previously empty boats going toward The Bronx
- Connecting Staten Island to Brooklyn via the St. George route
- Providing a one-seat ride to Midtown for the South Brooklyn route
The route changes are part of a proposed 2025 NYC Ferry Network Optimization Plan that builds off of the goals and success of the NYC Ferry Forward Plan. NYC Mayor Eric Adams stated of the plan:
Getting around New York City shouldn’t feel like you’re running a 5K. Wherever you live in the five boroughs, we want you to have choices, and our vision for the NYC Ferry helps provide New Yorkers with those choices. More and more New Yorkers are now using the NYC Ferry to get to work and get around, so we are writing a new chapter in the history of the NYC Ferry system and of transportation in our city.
The proposal will holistically address known system issues and improve the rider experience through the following:
- Giving riders more places to go
- Speeding up commutes
- Making more seats available
- Operating more efficiently
- Reducing subsidy per rider
The proposal will undergo a public comment period over the summer before final route changes are announced in September. New routes will be implemented into service by the end of the year. Additionally, hedge fund billionaire and owner of the New York Mets Steve Cohen is calling for the NYC Ferry system to add two new NY taxpayer-backed ferry stops at LaGuardia airport and Citi Field.
Those interested in giving their opinion can complete the feedback form here. The form closes on Labor Day, Monday, September 1st. Additionally, if you have questions or want more information, you can register to join the public meeting being held on Monday, July 21st, from 6:30 pm to 8 pm.
