Two of the planned six routes are in service from today
Earlier today, the NYC Ferry welcomed its first commuters on its inaugural ride from Beach 108th Street in the Rockaways. On Sunday, the mayor took part in a ceremonial ride from Queens to mark the launch of the first citywide ferry service; eventually, it will offer service to Astoria, South Brooklyn, the Lower East Side, and Soundview, in the Bronx. Here now is everything you need to know about this exciting new addition to the city's transportation infrastructure.
What routes are currently operational?
The NYC Ferry is currently running two routes: one goes between the Rockaways and Pier 11, near Wall Street; and the former East River Ferry route has now been subsumed into the NYC Ferry.
Update, 5/31/07: The South Brooklyn route will officially get underway starting 6:30 a.m. tomorrow.
How much time does the trip take?
The current route between the Rockaways and Wall Street takes about 59 minutes, including a stop in Sunset Park. The East River route takes about 39 minutes between East 34th Street and Wall Street, with stops in Hunters Point South, Greenpoint, North Williamsburg, South Williamsburg, and Dumbo along the way. During the summer, this route also offers a connection to Governors Island.
Update, 5/31/07: The trip between Wall Street's Pier 11 and Bay Ridge will be covered in approximately 49 minutes, with stops along the way at Dumbo (Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 1), Atlantic Avenue (Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6), Atlantic Basin in Red Hook, and Brooklyn Army Terminal in Sunset Park.
How much does it cost?
It's the same as riding the subway—$2.75 for a one-way fare, and $121 for a 30-day pass. You have to pay an additional $1 to bring your bike onboard, which translates to $141 for a 30-day pass that includes a bike onboard.
Unfortunately, you can't use your MetroCard on the ferry, which has led critics to question how much the ferry will actually benefit commuters. But the service does offer free transfers within its routes up to 90 minutes from when you first board the ferry.
How do I get tickets?
Each of the ferry landings has electronic vending machines and ticket agents to help you out, but the easiest way to do it is to download the ferry app on your smartphone. In addition, the app gives you a detailed breakdown of the ferry schedule. You can also purchase tickets on the ferry's website.
How many people can each ferry seat?
Each vessel fits 129 inside and 28 people on the outer deck. The city has ordered 20 vessels to get the service up and running.
What do I do once I'm on board?
Well, aside from the free Wi-Fi and charging stations, you can also partake in some afternoon (or whenever you prefer) drinking. The ferry will offer beer on tap, wine, and coffee, along with a selection of snacks, all part of a concessions stand called The New Stand. The ferry will offer Brooklyn Pilsner and the Gotham Project on tap, and Joe Coffee will be the pick-me-up of choice.
What does the future have in store?
The South Brooklyn and Astoria routes will launch in August this year. Connections to Soundview and the Lower East Side will follow next summer.
Update, 5/31/07: Nearly a quarter of a million New Yorkers have already experienced the ferry in its first month. The launch of the South Brooklyn route will add several more ferries in rotation and ease congestion on the overall ferry service.
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