Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Emerging From Pandemic-Driven Schedule Cuts, Staten Island Ferry Returns To Full Service
By
Sophia Chang
Published Aug 14, 2021
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
Sophia Chang
Published Aug 14, 2021
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 Staten Island Ferry is returning to full service Sunday, nearly a year and a half after the pandemic curtailed its round-the-clock sailings.
The signature orange ferry boats will return to their 24/7 departure schedule leaving every half hour, starting 11:30 p.m. August 15th.
About 70,000 passengers took the ferry every weekday in 2019, with 22 million passengers each year.
“The Staten Island Ferry knits this city together, and the return of 24/7 half-hour service is a sure sign that a recovery for all of us is underway,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio in a statement. “No matter when you go to work, visit family and friends, or enjoy a night out in the greatest city in the world, you deserve fast, frequent, and reliable ferry service. That’s what we’re proud to deliver today.”
Ferry service was reduced after ridership plummeted during the early days of the pandemic and crews were short-staffed. De Blasio announced the ferry would run only every hour, which worried Staten Island officials who feared the schedule changes would be made permanent.
“Ferry reductions are tied to massive ridership drops and the [city Department of Transportation’s] ability to staff. Understandable. But the moment ‘Stay Home’ is lifted and ridership increases is the time Ferry service reductions must be rescinded," Borough President James Oddo told the Staten Island Advance in April 2020. Regular daytime service was restored earlier this year.
On Friday, Oddo cheered the restoration of service and credited legislation he passed while a Council Member in 2013 that mandated 24/7, half-hour ferry service.
“Staten Island lived up to its responsibility during the economic difficulties brought upon by Covid and we accepted the reduction in service," Oddo said in a statement. "But as the Mayor has made clear, we are in a ‘Recovery for all’ and that means helping all those essential workers and Staten Islanders who work outside of the typical 9-5 schedule."
The city is also adding three new ferry boats to the fleet, including the SSG Michael H. Ollis, which shipped up from Florida Saturday.
Tagged
COVID-19
coronavirus
staten island
staten island ferry
Sophia Chang
Sophia Chang is a former WNYC and Gothamist reporter.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NYPD searching for suspect after fatal stabbing in Queens
Officers responding to a call at the intersection of Jamaica Avenue and 173rd Street around 1 a.m. found 29-year-old Sulimon Ferrier, who had multiple stab wounds to his chest, police said.
By
Ben Feuerherd
Published Oct 3, 2026 at 4:38 p.m. ET
NYPD: 2 suspects in off-duty officer stabbing tried to rob victim
It’s unclear if the attackers knew the victim was NYPD.
By
Jill Webb
News
NYPD: 2 suspects in off-duty officer stabbing tried to rob victim
It’s unclear if the attackers knew the victim was NYPD.
By
Jill Webb
Astoria-born Chip City announces sudden closure days after former CEO sues
By
Catalina Gonella
US judge tosses Trump lawsuit targeting pro-Palestinian protesters in NJ
By
Willow Higgins
A big, bright Saturn will be the highlight of NYC's fall stargazing season
By
Rosemary Misdary
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 .