Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Map: What NYC's Expanded Ferry Service Will Look Like
By
John Del Signore
Published Feb 4, 2015
Modified Feb 4, 2015
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 .
Gothamist
By
John Del Signore
Published Feb 4, 2015
Modified Feb 4, 2015
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
Dramatically expanded subsidized ferry service will begin operating in all five boroughs starting in 2017, mayor de Blasio announced yesterday. The East River ferry, launched by de Blasio's predecessor, currently shuttles passengers to a limited number of stops in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan along the East River, for $4 a ticket on weekdays and $6 on weekends. The new ferry service will be cheaper—Blasio promised yesterday that "new ferry rides will be priced the same as a MetroCard fare."
Proposed NYC Ferry Expansion Map
The service will be operated by private companies receiving government subsidies. De Blasio said he plans to allocate an initial $55 million in capital investment for the first five routes (excluding the Stapleton/Coney Island routes), and anticipates an annual city subsidy between $10-$20 million to keep the whole thing afloat. If completed as envisioned, the expansion would likely be the largest municipal ferry service in the United States, in terms of passenger use.
The first additional routes, serving South Brooklyn, Astoria, and Rockaway, will not begin service until 2017, with the Bronx (Soundview) and Lower East Side routes starting some time in 2018. A route connecting Wall Street's Pier 11 (the main ferry transfer hub) to Staten Island (Stapleton) and Coney Island does not currently have an estimated timeline.
A 2013 analysis of ferry service by the New York City Economic Development Corporation cited a property value increase of 8% for properties within walking distance of ferry stops, over comparable property values further from ferry stops, and $24 million in new annual tax revenue to the City.
Many, like State Senator Daniel Squadron, immediately embraced de Blasio's announcement, but others remain skeptical. Gene Russianoff at the Straphangers Campaign is much more enthusiastic about de Blasio's plan to expand Bus Rapid Transit, "which can be built quickly and cheaply. But if he wants to really move ahead on ferries, he'll need to find someone with a lot of cash on hand and a taste for risk."
A subsidized commuter ferry service to Far Rockaway that began after Hurricane Sandy ended last year, despite considerable outcry from peninsula residents. Yesterday Assemblyman Phillip Goldfeder (D-Rockaway) applauded de Blasio's announcement that service would be restored, but said 2017 isn't good enough. "Our families and small businesses are suffering today and need service implemented immediately,” Goldfeder said in a statement. "Our ferry dock at Beach 108th was disassembled and shipped away overnight. It should not take two years to bring it back."
Tagged
bill de blasio
ferries
ferry
maps
mass transit
state of the city
original
John Del Signore
Originally from the Albany area, John Del Signore has called NYC home since 1995. In addition to his thousands of meticulously-crafted bespoke blog posts for Gothamist, his writing has also been published in The Awl, Deadspin, The Nervous Breakdown, and performed at The Brick Theater in Brooklyn.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Mamdani names re-entry specialist as chair of Rikers oversight board
Christopher Watler will help the department that a federal monitor says remains in crisis.
By
Ryan Kost
Published Oct 6, 2026 at 3:52 p.m. ET
NYC weighs expanding upstate reservoir following drought
The Delaware River Basin Commission is evaluating options to increase water storage, including expanding a reservoir in New York City.
By
Rosemary Misdary
News
NYC weighs expanding upstate reservoir following drought
The Delaware River Basin Commission is evaluating options to increase water storage, including expanding a reservoir in New York City.
By
Rosemary Misdary
Legionella found in Staten Island building's water system after 2 positive cases
By
Catalina Gonella
Legal 'loophole' helps NY Gov. Kathy Hochul, Bruce Blakeman raise millions
By
Jon Campbell
Police identify 2 men wanted for stabbing an off-duty NYPD officer
By
Ben Feuerherd
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 .