New East River Water Taxi, a 'Ferry' Good Idea for Brooklyn

Who says getting around New York City isn't smooth sailing?

The City announced today details of a brand-new ferry service scheduled to launch on June 13 that will transport residents between Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan via the East River.

The East River Ferry will provide year-round service between East 34th Street and Pier 11 in Manhattan, Long Island City in Queens, Greenpoint, North Williamsburg, South Williamsburg, and DUMBO in Brooklyn, and seasonally to Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn and Governor’s Island.

“I am excited to see the new ferry service reconnecting New Yorkers and tourists alike to a new transportation option that invigorates and embraces a resource that truly makes our city great," said Speaker Christine C. Quinn at a Wednesday morning press conference.

"By taking New Yorkers out of over-crowded trains and subways, this new service will change the way we move between the boroughs, reminding us that we can continue to grow and take advantage of all our city has to offer.”

As the city's population grows, the East River Ferry hopes to ease congestion, provide a cleaner environment and a reasonable and reliable alternative to the bus, subway or car when traveling to and from work. On the weekends, it becomes an escape for residents that is affordable and also a way to familiarize tourists to other views of the boroughs they normally would not experience. 

"Long before the subway system connected the five boroughs, ferry service proved to be an efficient and convenient means of transportation throughout the city,” said Council Member Stephen Levin. “I applaud the leadership of Deputy Mayor Steel and Speaker Quinn to ensure that North Brooklyn commuters once again have a reliable alternative to the G train."

The ferry service will be free of charge for all customers through June 24, 2011. The service will cost $4 for a one-way ticket, $12 for an unlimited day pass, and $140 for an unlimited monthly pass. Ferries will operate every half hour, or every 20 minutes during rush hour, year round, from 7:00am to 9:00pm on weekdays, and from 9:00am to 8:30pm on weekends.

“Bravo to Mayor Bloomberg and his staff, Deputy Mayor Robert Steel, Speaker Christine Quinn and the Council, the EDC and everyone who played a role in bringing expanded ferry service from NY Waterway to Brooklyn and the outer boroughs of Manhattan and Queens,” said Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz.

“With stops in our flourishing neighborhoods of Greenpoint, North and South Williamsburg, DUMBO and Pier 6 at Atlantic Avenue in the summer, Brooklyn is ‘ferry’ excited to welcome this new service, which is certain to bring economic development and tourism to our bustling waterfront.”

This East River Ferry is part of the Waterfront Vision and Enhancement Strategy (WAVES), a citywide initiative launched by Mayor Bloomberg and Speaker Quinn, which created a new sustainable blueprint for the City's more than 500 miles of shoreline.