New Yorkers might get a new way to travel from Brooklyn to Staten Island as the NYC Ferry system proposed several new routes on Monday.
Although a ferry between the two boroughs is historically nothing new — there were ferries from Brooklyn to Staten Island decades ago — the potential NYC Ferry route would connect Bay Ridge to St. George Terminal on Staten Island’s North Shore, where the city’s Staten Island Ferry docks.
Officials from the NYC Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), which runs NYC Ferry, are proposing the route, among others throughout the boroughs, based on ridership feedback, data, operational analyses and existing infrastructure. The potential overhaul is part of a proposed system-wide optimization and reconfiguration of routes, which is the first in the history of the 8-year-old ferry operation.
“For the first time since our launch in 2017, NYC Ferry is taking a fresh, holistic look across the system and proposing a comprehensive reconfiguration of routes to improve rider experience, fix known issues, and ensure NYC Ferry is a mainstay on our waterways for years to come,” said James Wong, executive director of NYC Ferry.
But before any changes take place, NYCEDC will solicit feedback from riders throughout the summer. Officials will share a feedback survey with all riders, from longtime and daily commuters to New Yorkers who have never used the system before, the ferry folks said.
Potential ferry changes on map
A map of the proposed changes shows what the Brooklyn to Staten Island route would look like. Other possible changes include a one-seat ride to Midtown for the South Brooklyn route, breaking the East River into two routes, and combining Soundview and Rockaway routes.
“This map of proposed changes is based on years of rider feedback and operational analysis, and will be a strong starting point as we continue to solicit input from our riders and prepare for this next chapter of NYC Ferry,” Wong said.
The proposed Brooklyn to Staten Island route follows the advocacy of City Council Members Kamillah Hanks and Justin Brannan for a ferry to connect the boroughs.
“Seeing Staten Island and Brooklyn finally linked by ferry is a big win — and a clear example of what’s possible when we put people first in our transit planning,” Hanks, who represents Staten Island, said in a statement. “We aren’t there yet, just as we have asked you in the past, I need you islanders and Brooklynites to push for this needed service.”
The proposal also comes after Canarsie residents and elected officials rallied on May 25 for a ferry to connect the Brooklyn neighborhood, which many describe as a “transportation desert,” to Manhattan.
At the time, City Hall said there were “no plans” for a new line. NYCEDC officials said the proposed changes only involve adjustments to existing routes.
Meanwhile, Narcisse told amNewYork in a statement that her office remains “optimistic” that Canarsie will be included in future ferry expansion plans.
“As someone who has long advocated for a ferry route in Canarsie, I understand that the proposed changes to the current ferry routes involve adjustments to existing services,” she said. “While these changes are important, I remain very optimistic that Canarsie will be included in expansions as the NYC Ferry system continues to grow in the near future. It is crucial that any changes prioritize accessibility and meet the needs of underserved communities like Canarsie. I believe adding a ferry stop at Canarsie Pier would be a major positive for the people, the area and surrounding neighborhoods. Residents of District 46 need and deserve more transportation options, and I will keep fighting for that.”
Final route changes will be announced in September, with service to take effect this winter, NYCEDC officials said.
