Rockaway residents rejoice: ferry service has now been expanded through to Labor Day.
The weekday ferry service between the Rockaways and Lower Manhattan will continue to operate on its current schedule, now all the way through early September.
“Continuing [the ferry’s] operation through Labor Day weekend is critical in addressing transportation needs and an integral piece of the rebuilding and revitalization puzzle,” said State Senator James Sanders. “It’s a valuable tool for getting hard working people to their destination, including their places of employment.”
Ferries will continue to depart from Beach 108th Street and Beach Channel Drive and stop at Pier 11 in downtown Manhattan, with free transfers between Pier 11 and East 34th Street. The service will continue to start in the Rockaways at 5:45 a.m. and depart regularly until 9:20 a.m. Regular service will resume during the evening rush, and one-way fares will remain $2.
Additionally, beginning July 4th, enhanced weekend service will launch between the Rockaways and Pier 11 every Saturday and Sunday through Labor Day. The city has also agreed to assist in subsidizing an additional boat to expand the service. Weekend service may be altered based on ridership demand.
Since the ferry’s opening in November following Sandy, average ridership is roughly 700 passenger trips a day.
“The Rockaways was hit hard by Sandy and it needs all the help it can get to get back on track,” said Councilmember James Vacca, chair of the Council Committee on Transportation. “The continuation and expansion of the ferry service will provide much-needed relief for residents and small business owners who are hard at work in rebuilding a stronger Rockaway.”
Visit newyorkbeachferry.com for a full list of schedules and fares.
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