New Yorkers might get a new way to travel from Brooklyn to Staten Island as the NYC Ferry system proposes big changes to some of its routes.
The potential NYC Ferry route would connect Bay Ridge to St. George Terminal on Staten Island’s North Shore, where the city’s Staten Island Ferry docks. The boroughs were connected by ferry years ago, but those routes have not been active for decades.
Officials from the NYC Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), which runs NYC Ferry, are proposing the route, among others throughout the boroughs, based on ridership feedback, data, operational analyses and existing infrastructure. The potential overhaul is part of a proposed system-wide optimization and reconfiguration of routes, which is the first in the history of the 8-year-old ferry operation.
“For the first time since our launch in 2017, NYC Ferry is taking a fresh, holistic look across the system and proposing a comprehensive reconfiguration of routes to improve rider experience, fix known issues, and ensure NYC Ferry is a mainstay on our waterways for years to come,” said James Wong, executive director of NYC Ferry.
But before any changes take place, NYCEDC will solicit feedback from riders throughout the summer. Officials will share a feedback survey with all riders, and is hosting a virtual information session on July 21.
A map of all the proposed changes shows several differences in Brooklyn in addition to the Staten Island-Bay Ridge connection. The Southern Brooklyn route would begin on Governor’s Island and run all the way to East 34th Street, and would no longer stop in Bay Ridge, Sunset Park or Dumbo. Sunset Park would exclusively be served by a new combined Soundview/Rockaway route, with transfers available at Wall Street/Pier 11. The proposal would also break the current East River route in two, East River A and B. Both would begin at East 34th Street, with East River A stopping at Hunters Point South, North Williamsburg, Dumbo/Fulton Ferry, and Wall Street/Pier 11; and East River B stopping in Greenpoint, South Williamsburg, Dumbo/Fulton Ferry, and Wall Street/Pier 11.
“This map of proposed changes is based on years of rider feedback and operational analysis, and will be a strong starting point as we continue to solicit input from our riders and prepare for this next chapter of NYC Ferry,” Wong said.
The proposal followed the advocacy of City Council Members Kamillah Hanks and Justin Brannan to restore ferry service between Brooklyn and Staten Island.
“Seeing Staten Island and Brooklyn finally linked by ferry is a big win — and a clear example of what’s possible when we put people first in our transit planning,” Hanks, who represents Staten Island, said in a statement. “We aren’t there yet, just as we have asked you in the past, I need you islanders and Brooklynites to push for this needed service.”
Despite the win, the proposal left some Brooklynites disappointed. Canarsie residents have long fought for a ferry route to connect the nabe, which many describe as a “transportation desert,” to Manhattan.
In May, City Hall said there were “no plans” for a new line. NYCEDC officials said the proposed changes only involve adjustments to existing routes.
Meanwhile, Narcisse said her office remains “optimistic” that Canarsie will be included in future ferry expansion plans.
“As someone who has long advocated for a ferry route in Canarsie, I understand that the proposed changes to the current ferry routes involve adjustments to existing services,” she said. “While these changes are important, I remain very optimistic that Canarsie will be included in expansions as the NYC Ferry system continues to grow in the near future. It is crucial that any changes prioritize accessibility and meet the needs of underserved communities like Canarsie.”
Final route changes will be announced in September, with service to take effect this winter, NYCEDC officials said.
A version of this story appeared on Brooklyn Paper’s sister site amNewYork.
