Rockaway and East River Routes Set Sail Today, 1 Month Ahead of Schedule; connecting 3 boroughs by water
Mayor Bill de Blasio participated in a ceremonial first ride from the Rockaways to Manhattan Sunday, NYC Ferry’s first two routes, the Rockaway and East River routes, went into service today. The first of six NYC Ferry routes offer direct transit connections between Southern Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan shortening commutes for thousands of New Yorkers.
The Rockaway Route officially launched at 5:30 a.m. It offers service between Beach 108th Street, the Brooklyn Army Terminal, and Wall Street’s Pier 11. More information about the route is available here.
The newly-integrated East River Route launches at 6:30 a.m. It offers service between East 34th Street, Hunter’s Point South, Greenpoint, North Williamsburg, South Williamsburg, Dumbo, Governor’s Island (in the summers only) and Wall Street’s Pier 11. More information about the route is available here.
June 1, a third route, South Brooklyn Route – which links Bay Ridge, Sunset Park, Red Hook, Brooklyn Bridge Park and Wall Street – will begin. Astoria service will launch in August, with the exact date still being determined. The final routes, the Lower East Side and Soundview routes, launch in 2018. Detailed timetables, along with a map of all 2017 routes, can be viewed here.
“For the first time in generations, our amazing New York Harbor is part of our city’s critical public transportation system – and for the price of a subway ride you can get to work and also explore New York City’s beautiful coastal communities much more directly. All Aboard! Let’s take a ride!” Mayor Bill de Blasio said.
“This is a milestone two years in the making. New ferries are crisscrossing out waterways, opening up more opportunity for New Yorkers and businesses. NYC Ferry has officially launched, and we look forward to expanding the system to reach even more neighborhoods,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development, Alicia Glen.
“Starting today NYC Ferry is going to transform commutes for thousands of New Yorkers,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation President and CEO James Patchett. “With more people living and working on the waterfront, this is a fast, comfortable, and affordable way to get around the city. We can’t wait for New Yorkers to hop on and see for themselves - it's a great ride.”
