Mayor says fairer ferries on the way
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Mayor Eric Adams announced a new program to boost ferry ridership following a report from the city’s comptroller that the program sustained significant financial losses under the previous mayoral administration. Photo by Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office
By Rachel Vick
Mayor Eric Adams joined Queens officials and NYCHA residents at the Astoria Ferry landing Thursday to unveil his administration’s proposed changes to the waterway network after a recent report from the city’s comptroller unveiled massive financial losses for the ferry system under former Mayor Bill de Blasio.
The NYC Ferry Forward plan is intended to expand access and encourage increased ridership through reduced fare programs while raising the base fare for all riders who are not low-income.
“This is a transportation desert… these residents deserve a way to get to work, play, recreation,” Adams said. “Taking cars off the road, going to transportation deserts… one ferry is going to [deliver] a multitude of solutions.”
"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 — one built on the three pillars of equity, accessibility, and fiscal sustainability,” he added.
Ferry tickets for those eligible for the fair fares program, as well as seniors and riders with disabilities, will go for $1.35. NYCHA residents living within a one mile radius of a ferry stop will each receive two free rides to raise awareness of the marine transit option.
The discounted options will be offset by an increased fair for all other riders, according to the mayor.
A single ride will cost $4 for visitors or infrequent riders. Using the city’s ferry app, riders who don’t qualify for discount programs can still get a price reduction – a 10-trip pack will be available for $27.50.
The mayor also announced the elimination of the ferry’s $1 bike fee, which he said was done in the spirit of sustainability.
The fare changes will take effect on Sept. 12 and come days after a report from Comptroller Brad Lander that found the city had underreported spending on the ferries by more than $200 million between 2015 and 2021.
“[The Economic Development Corporation's] responsibility is to provide adequate oversight and report accurately,” Lander said. “For a successful 21st century ferry system, we need more transparent reporting, better cost controls and a new RFP to operate the system.”
The ferry currently requires a separate fare system from the MTA, and while the current administration said that it’s open to the possibility of a cohesive payment system, it is not yet close to becoming a reality.
Efforts to expand access to the ferry and highlight the value as a mode of transportation for low-income Queens residents were celebrated by community and environmental advocates.
"Astoria Houses residents are grateful for the ferry. It's an added transportation option that is now even more affordable to those who need it most," said NYCHA Astoria Houses Resident Association President Vanessa Jones-Hall. "Not only does the ferry provide easy access to get downtown to go to work, it offers residents a nice ride along the waterway, and it allows New Yorkers to visit Astoria and see all we have to offer.”
The Rockaway Rocket, with direct service between Pier 11 in Lower Manhattan and the Rockaway beach, will launch later this month. Service will run on weekends and holidays through Labor Day, with seats available for reservation.
Waterfront Alliance CEO and President Cortney Worrall applauded the progress but emphasized the existing system is a starting point with significant room for improvement and growth — like extending ferry service to LaGuardia Airport, a suggestion echoed by Queens Borough President Donovan Richards.
“There is great opportunity to expand services to new locations, to identify transit deserts that would be well-served by ferries, and to increase revenue through new advertising, concessions, and partnerships,” Worral said.
New York City Economic Development President and CEO Andrew Kimball said the administration would be releasing more financial records than required to try and demonstrate economic sensibility.
The city will also be opening bidding for a new contract to operate the ferry, which is currently managed by Hornblower.
