Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Power-Hungry Staten Island Ferry Riders Will Get USB Ports To Fight Over
By
Emma Whitford
Published Jul 21, 2016
Modified Jul 21, 2016
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 .
By
Emma Whitford
Published Jul 21, 2016
Modified Jul 21, 2016
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
When the NYPD got tired of Staten Island Ferry riders fighting over power outlets for their phones and laptops—one ferry worker even got punched to the ground while attempting to break up a power outlet dispute—the Department of Transportation responded by cutting off the juice to most of the charging ports (the ones "linked with violence," according to the NYPD). Now, in a happy reversal, the city has confirmed that it plans to install USB chargers throughout the Manhattan and Staten Island terminals this fall, and on the ferries soon after.
When new boats join the fleet in 2019, the city promises they'll also be outfitted with the latest in charging technology. (By then, most of us will be fully charged from the bus or the train or the subway platform, anyway.)
"DOT wants to strike a balance by embracing ever-evolving phone charging technology, but also address public safety," DOT spokesman Scott Gastel told the Staten Island Advance.
We've asked the city to clarify its logic—will there be so many USB chargers on each boat that commuters won't have to compete?—and will update if we get more details.
The DOT has retained the right to cut off power on Staten Island Ferry boats for several years, pre-dating the de Blasio administration. The decision was apparently born of a request for assistance from the NYPD, after cops decided that the outlets posed a safety threat.
Tagged
chargers
fighting
power outlets
punch
staten island ferry
We can't have nice things
Emma Whitford
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 .