By Rebecca Henely
Mayor Michael Bloomberg and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn (D-Manhattan) said Monday the East River Ferry has been sailing smoothly, having recently passed the 1 million passenger mark in its travels through Long Island City, Brooklyn and Manhattan.
The ferry’s high numbers are a huge success for a system originally predicted to get an annual rate of 409,000 riders. The demand has necessitated larger vessels be used on the weekends.
“Ferry service is only going to get better for the next million passengers, whether they are headed to work or going to visit our parks or cultural institutions,” Bloomberg said in a statement.
The East River Ferry, which opened June 13, 2011, runs from Long Island City to Greenpoint, North Williamsburg, South Williamsburg and DUMBO in Brooklyn and Manhattan and Governor’s Island. The ferry costs $4 for a one-way ticket, $12 for an unlimited all-day pass and $140 for an unlimited monthly pass.
To keep the ferry viable, the city will be surveying customers and residents of the communities the ferry serves. The survey will be conducted on board the vessels, online and through targeted phone calls.
Reach reporter Rebecca Henely by e-mail at rhenely@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4564.
