The expanded year-round ferry transportation links three boroughs

East River ferries are now serving seven permanent slips and two additional summer slips as part of the city’s sustainable maritime blueprint for local waterfront and waterways. The expanded service was announced earlier this month by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Council Speaker Christine Quinn, and other officials committed to bolstering New York City’s standing as a premier waterfront city.

“I am excited to see the new ferry service reconnecting New Yorkers and tourists alike to a transportation option that invigorates and embraces a resource that truly makes our city great,” said Quinn. “By taking New Yorkers out of over-crowded trains and subways, this new service will change the way we move between the boroughs, reminding us that we can continue to grow and take advantage of all our city has to offer.”

The expanded year-round ferry transportation links three boroughs, served by BillyBey Ferry Company operating under the NY Waterway brand. Ferries will operate in both directions and make seven regular stops along the East River, with two additional summer stops:

·       East 34th Street in Manhattan
·       Hunter’s Point South/Long Island City
·       Greenpoint at India Street
·       North Williamsburg between North 5th and North 6th Streets
·       South Williamsburg at Schaefer Landing at Kent Avenue
·       DUMBO at Fulton Ferry Landing off Old Fulton Street
·       Pier 11/Wall Street in Manhattan
·       Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6 at Atlantic Avenue – summer Fridays
·       Governors Island – summer Saturdays and Sundays

Ferries will be in service from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, and 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekends. During off-peak hours, the service will be operated every 30 minutes during the summer, and every 60 minutes during the winter. During weekday rush hour, ferries will operate every 20 minutes and commuters can connect to a free shuttle bus service at the East 34th Street ferry landing. 

Ferry tickets cost $4 for a one-way ticket, $12 for an unlimited all-day pass, and $140 for an unlimited monthly pass; bikes will be accommodated on board for an additional dollar. To support the service expansion, the city is providing $9.3 million over the next three years to help ensure affordability. (Ridership above projected levels would reduce the city’s contribution.) Government funding also has helped with upgrades to ferry landings in Brooklyn and Queens.

In addition to the ferry-service expansion, Lower Manhattan’s waterfront also is being spruced up along the East River and beyond. The pilot section of the East River Esplanade project is expected to open by early July 2011, with an RFP recently issued for build-out of the restored Pier 15. Free Governors Island ferry access from the Battery Maritime Building is now drawing thousands of people downtown every weekend, while the restored Pier A is slated to open in 2012.

Read more about the East River Ferry service details at the city Dept. of Transportation website.