NYC Ferry plans route changes to connect Brooklyn and Staten Island.

NYC Ferry is set to announce a comprehensive reconfiguration of its route map, which aims to enhance public transit between Staten Island and Brooklyn, as well as extend its South Brooklyn service to Manhattan. This initiative, led by the city’s Economic Development Corporation (EDC), reflects a significant potential overhaul of the ferry system since its inception in 2017. The details of the new routes will be unveiled on Monday, marking the commencement of a public feedback period that seeks to involve riders in the decision-making process.

The proposed modifications are expected to be implemented by winter 2024, providing ample time for commuter input. The EDC, which oversees the operation of the ferry and contracts its management, has emphasized that the changes will be influenced by both rider feedback and operational assessments. The objective is to improve the overall rider experience and address existing challenges within the current system.

Key aspects of the proposed changes include the introduction of new stops along the St. George route, such as Bay Ridge, Atlantic Avenue, and Wall Street. This would establish a direct connection between Brooklyn and Staten Island for the first time, enhancing accessibility for commuters in those areas. Additionally, the South Brooklyn route will transition northward, introducing a stop at the 34th Street landing in Manhattan, while removing service to Sunset Park and Bay Ridge on this specific line.

In a notable restructuring, the East River Route will be divided into two distinct segments, allowing for skip-stop service along the Brooklyn and Queens waterfronts. The Soundview and Rockaways routes will be merged into a singular service that will extend from the Rockaways in Queens to Ferry Point Park in Throgs Neck, Bronx, thereby streamlining operations for those traveling along these corridors.

Before finalizing these changes, the EDC plans to conduct a survey of ferry riders this summer to gauge public sentiment regarding the proposed map. A finalized version of the new route layout is anticipated to be released in September.

NYC Ferry is operated by Hornblower, a San Francisco-based company, which has maintained its contract with the EDC since a renewal in 2023. This strategic initiative aims to ensure that NYC Ferry remains an integral part of the city’s transportation landscape for years to come while adapting to the evolving needs of its riders.

As the city seeks to promote efficient and accessible public transit, the feedback obtained during this period will be crucial in shaping a ferry service that meets the demands of New Yorkers and tourists alike.