By Philip Newman
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is in discussions with seven ferryboat companies that have expressed interest in providing ferry service from Lower Manhattan to LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy airports.
Pasquale DiFulco, a spokesman for the Port Authority, said the agency hopes to decide by later this year which company will operate the service.
“We are eager to get this service to LaGuardia and JFK going as soon as possible,” DiFulco said.
“The Port Authority has invited proposals from these companies on how they would connect Lower Manhattan and LaGuardia with ferry links,” DiFulco said. “Our plan is to start service to LaGuardia first, then to JFK.”
He pointed out that the proposed ferry service is a priority both of Gov. George Pataki and the Port Authority. “It’s another part of our efforts to improve access to our airports,” the spokesman said.
DeFulco said the Port Authority envisioned ferry departures probably from Pier 11 in the Wall Street area, but arrival points at the two airports had not yet been decided although the Marine Air Terminal at LaGuardia seemed a likely location.
The Marine Air Terminal was built before World War II for the trans-Atlantic Clipper seaplanes.
“Many travelers recall that Delta Air Lines operated ferry service from Lower Manhattan to the Marine Air Terminal, serving mostly their own passengers, for a number of years,” DiFulco said.
He said the Port Authority planned to use buses as links from ferry arrival points to airline terminals.
New York Waterways, which provides several East River routes, operated ferries to LaGuardia for nearly three years but halted the runs in 2000 as unprofitable.
A subway connection to LaGuardia Airport has long been discussed, but the Metropolitan Transportation Authority said last year that the project had fallen far down its priority list.
Reach contributing writer Philip Newman by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or call 229-0300, Ext. 136.
