By Bianca Fortis
The weekday ferry operating between the Rockaways and lower Manhattan will continue to run through Jan. 31, Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced Wednesday.
Ferries depart from Beach 108th Street and Beach Channel Drive and stop at the Brooklyn Army Terminal in Sunset Park and at Pier 11 in Manhattan. A one-way ride costs $2. Free transfer rides by boat are provided between Pier 11 and East 34th Street.
The ferry began operating in November to temporarily replace the A train while it was shut down as the MTA made repairs following Hurricane Sandy. Service has been extended several times because ridership remains high, officials said.
“Ferry service has proven to be a popular and effective mode of transportation for Rockaways and Brooklyn residents,” Bloomberg said. “Extending the service through January will allow riders to continue taking advantage of this quick, enjoyable and sustainable transit option.”
Phil McManus, a Rockaway resident who started the Queens Public Transit Committee, said peninsula residents are happy the ferry was extended, but they wish it were permanent.
“I think the ferry might be the best thing Bloomberg has done for the Rockaways,” he said.
Increased access to the peninsula can lead to more economic development, McManus said.
“Everybody knows Rockaway is hurting,” he said. “We were hit by Sandy, but we’ve been hurting for generations. The fact that we still have to beg for improvements, it really is disappointing.”
State Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Rockaway Beach) echoed McManus’ comments about economic development. The ferry, he said, can provide help to southern Queens and Rockaway so that small businesses thrive.
“This is another great step for our community and I will continue to fight until the Rockaway ferry service is made permanent,” he said.
Reach reporter Bianca Fortis by email at bfortis@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4546.
