By Bill Parry
The Bloomberg administration announced a five-year contract extension for the East River ferry Friday.
Citing the enormous demand for the service from more than 3 million riders since June 2011, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said, “The East River ferry has been a huge success and demonstrates the demand for efficient, affordable transit to points along the city’s waterfront. We now can promise commuters and visitors access to these waterfront neighborhoods via ferry for the next five years, sustaining an essential part of our administration’s transportation vision and spurring economic growth across the city.”
State Sen. Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria) applauded the move.
“This is welcome news for western Queens, an area in dire need of better mass transit due to the woefully inadequate service on the 7 subway line,” Gianaris said. “Hopefully, this step in the right direction will lead to continued attention to the mass transit needs of the growing community of Long Island City.”
The news was appreciated at the Waterfront Crab House, at 203 Borden Ave. The seafood restaurant was nearly destroyed by flooding during Hurricane Sandy and owner Tony Mazzarella had to rebuild the interior from top to bottom, using $500,000 of his personal wealth.
The ferry unloads passengers in Hunters Point South, just around the corner.
“It’s great news,” manager Barbara Eden said. “I think it gives us business and any little bit helps since Sandy knocked us out for 106 days, not that I was counting.”
“It’s great news for us, we’re definitely happy about it,” said Jie Whoon Kang, one of the founders of Coffeed, at 37-18 Northern Blvd.
Coffeed and Apiary Restaurant, from Manhattan’s Lower East Side, are teaming up together to open an outdoor concession venue in Hunters Point South in February. The new venue will be called LIC Landing by Coffeed and it will be right next to the ferry pavilion.
“I always thought the ferry service would continue, but it’s really good to see it finalized,” Kang said.
The BillyBey Ferry Co. operated the initial three-year pilot program and was selected for the five-year extension.
“The East River ferry has been a tremendous success,” CEO Paul Goodman said. “We are very pleased to continue providing our customers with this convenient, reliable ferry service that many have come to depend on.”
Fares for passengers will remain $4 for a one-way weekday ticket, but weekend ferry service will go up to $6 per ride. All ferries will continue to accommodate bikes for an additional dollar. There is a combined weekday and weekend unlimited pass which will cost $160 per month.
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparry@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4538.
