The Staten Island Ferry will be setting sail every half hour, round the clock, with the city putting $4.9 million into new service for the fall.
The money will plug the gap in service ferry riders face during late nights, particularly weekends, when ferries run once an hour.
Mayor Bill de Blasio last month added 12 extra late-night runs on the weekend, at $700,000 a year until the full 24-hour service begins this fall.
“The mayor has described adding this service as a ‘simple act of fairness,'” Staten Island Borough President James Oddo said. “It is that and more. His actions demonstrate that Mayor de Blasio and I can collectively do right by this borough and city and help improve people’s lives.”
The Council had passed legislation requiring the 30-minute service, as long as the city felt it was affordable.
The increase in boat runs was sought as the economy of the city shifted, with more late-night workers and development on the borough’s north shore.
“This will help integrate Staten Island into the rest of the city and will be a welcome addition for our current residents, as well as all those who will visit our soon-to-be revitalized north shore,” said Councilwoman Debi Rose, who represents the north shore.
