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The Rockaway Ferry made quite a splash in the southern Queens community when it first launched in early May, but there’s always room for improvement.
Although ridership has doubled since the ferry left Riis Landing for Pier 11 in Lower Manhattan for the first time on May 12, problems with timing and availability have sent some commuters to the subways. The city only funded one vessel for the two-year pilot project, limiting rides to two trips in each direction every weekday: morning rides from Riis Landing leave at 5:45 and 7:45, and evening trips return from Manhattan at 3:30 and 5:30.
In recognition of the project’s success thus far and to further build ridership and improve the city’s financial commitment, ferry operators — the New York Water Taxi and TWFM Ferry — added weekend and holiday service on July 4 and expect it to continue until Labor Day. Included in the additional service are five eco-cruises around the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, which is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area and a great attraction for families and tourists.
“The same service that can bring commuters into the city can bring people out to go to vacation areas,” New York Water Taxi CEO Tom Fox told reporters last week. “If people show with numbers that there is a need for this, then the city will continue funding the project.”
City Councilman Joseph Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) allocated $1.1 million for the pilot project, which is the first phase of a plan developed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn to bring ferry service to all five boroughs.
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