Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
The East River Ferry Service Is Now Extended Until 2019
By
Lauren Evans
Published Dec 13, 2013
Modified Dec 13, 2013
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Flickr user Dan Nguyen
By
Lauren Evans
Published Dec 13, 2013
Modified Dec 13, 2013
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
The East River Ferry, by far the city's greatest mode of transportation, will continue to serve intrepid commutersmariners through 2019.
The service was launched in 2011 as a pilot, though it's become a lifeline for those of us who hope to occasionally experience Greenpoint or Long Island City without enduring an hours-long trek on the subway. Horribly, the pilot was set to expire in June of 2014, but awesomely, it's proved sufficiently popular to continue—ridership has actually tripled since the ferry's inception, Crain's reports.
“The East River Ferry has been a huge success and demonstrates the demand for efficient, affordable transit to points along the City’s waterfront,” Mayor Bloomberg said in a statement. “We now can promise commuters and visitors access to these waterfront neighborhoods via ferry for the next five years, sustaining an essential part of our Administration’s transportation vision and spurring economic growth across the City.” Or in other words: "Every time you step foot on this boat, remember who did this for you."
The service, which cost an initial $3 million in city subsidies, will unfortunately come with some caveats: Weekend fare will increase from $4 to $6, and service will be less frequent on winter weekends. Still—what's an extra two bucks compared to never, ever having to sit next to this guy?
Tagged
East River Ferry
ferry
transportation
Lauren Evans
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Man shot by ICE in NYC still has bullet lodged in neck, attorneys say
Oscar Belgal, a 28-year-old immigrant from the Dominican Republic, was in solitary confinement at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Sunset Park on Monday.
By
Liam Quigley
Published Oct 12, 2026 at 11:37 a.m. ET
NY measles spread prompts 'disaster' emergency. It didn't have to be this way, health commissioner says.
The state health commissioner says the disease outbreak is wholly preventable.
By
Elizabeth Shwe
News
NY measles spread prompts 'disaster' emergency. It didn't have to be this way, health commissioner says.
The state health commissioner says the disease outbreak is wholly preventable.
By
Elizabeth Shwe
NYC wants to move deliveries onto the waterways. It's starting with a 55-year-old boat.
By
Liam Quigley
Inside the luxury Greenpoint high-rise powered by a rumbling generator for over a month
By
David Brand
Mayor Mamdani orders review of NYPD use of force policies
By
Michael Sol Warren
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .