FREE RIDE

Queens residents now have a new way to get back and forth from Manhattan to Long Island City.
The city unveiled a new ferry service Monday morning, June 13 that would provide year-round transportation between East 34th Street and Long Island City with other stops in parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan.
Commuters lined up outside the ferry landing at East 34th Street during Monday’s rush hour to try out the new East River Ferry Service during its first two weeks of free rides, from June 13 to June 24.
For some Long Island City residents, the ferry service is a welcome change from some of the inconveniences the subway posed.
“I have a stroller and I cannot take the subway and there’s no yellow cab in Long Island City — so it’s the best for me” said Vanessa Hen, 32, who commutes to her job at the United Nations.
She said the ferry service was also a lot quicker than taking the subway with a stroller and infant in tow.
The service runs seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the week and from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the weekends – with rush hour service on weekdays every 20 minutes from 7 to 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 to 7 p.m.
Commuters can park all day for $5 at the ferry landing.
Though residents can enjoy the ferry free until June 24, they’ll have to pay $4 for a one-way ticket or choose from a $12 dollar unlimited, one-day or $140 unlimited monthly pass thereafter.
City officials lauded the new service since it provides an alternative transportation option for Queens residents.
“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,” Council Speaker Christine Quinn said.
Not only does the ferry service give Queens residents a new way to travel between boroughs – it will serve as an engine for the city’s waterfront redevelopment plan that looks to revitalize areas like Hunter’s Point South in Long Island City.
“Ferry service will improve connections between the five boroughs, helping ease traffic congestion and provide long-term economic support for the City of New York,” Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer said.
The plan includes new parks and housing that the city hopes will breathe new life into areas along the waterfront.