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Pols Want Cars Back On Staten Island Ferry
By
Jen Chung
Published Aug 14, 2009
Modified Aug 14, 2009
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By
Jen Chung
Published Aug 14, 2009
Modified Aug 14, 2009
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Rep. Michael McMahon and Staten Island Borough President James Molinaro sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano asking that cars be allowed back onto the Staten Island Ferry. Car service was suspended at 9/11, but now, McMahon writes, "The residents of Staten Island endure one of the most arduous and costly commutes in the country; all options which could ease that burden without compromising our safety should be made available... Opening the ferry to car transportation would give Staten Island commuters more choices, ultimately save many commuters time, and would cut down on all the unnecessary vehicle emissions resulting from the need to drive through Brooklyn to get to Manhattan." One ferry rider concurred and told NY1, "I think I would feel safe, and I think as a Staten Islander, we don't have much access, or anything, you have to take bridges and pay huge tolls." However, there are some detractors: Transportation Alternatives' Wiley Norvell said to the Post, "The logistical and expense burdens of moving cars on the Staten Island Ferry is totally out of proportion to the benefits of using the ferry for cars."
Tagged
brooklyn
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Michael McMahon
staten island commute
staten island ferry
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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