The fledgling Rockaway ferry appears to be cruising on course.
[Most riders say they prefer the ferry over the subway, but would like to see return trips offered later than the final 5:30 p.m. departure. Photo to left Gill for News - ]
Ridership has doubled since its maiden voyage nearly two months ago, but critics say there are still a few kinks to work out.
The ferry from Riis Landing to Pier 11 near Wall St., has received favorable reviews overall from riders since its much-celebrated launch on May 12.
Ferry operators recently announced the addition of weekend and holiday service, starting tomorrow and running to Labor Day, including five eco-cruises around Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge in Queens.
"The same service that can bring commuters into the city can bring people out to go to vacation areas," said Tom Fox, chief executive officer of New York Water Taxi, which operates the service with TWFM Ferry.
Riders board the water taxi at Riis Landing on their way to Manhattan. Photo Gill for News
Founders of the project - part of a two-year pilot program - expanded the service in hopes of building ridership and improving the city's financial commitment.
"If people show with numbers that there is a need for this, then the city will continue funding the project," Fox said.
Most commuters on a recent morning trip said they preferred the traffic-free ride over the subway. But passengers said limited departure times have caused problems.
"It works, but it could be better," said Seth Krakaver, 52, of Belle Harbor.
Krakaver is a human resources administrator who works in lower Manhattan, so the ferry commute is convenient. But he said it leaves little time for socializing.
"It would be great if there was a later ferry, so people could hang out after work," said Krakaver, who rushes out of the office to catch the last trip, which departs Pier 11 at 5:30 p.m.
The city funded only one vessel for the Rockaway ferry service. The morning trips to Manhattan leave at 5:45 and 7:45. The returning afternoon trips depart at 3:30 and 5:30.
"It would be nicer if they had an additional ferry around 9 or 10 p.m. for people who have to stay late in the city," said James Supple, 43, who works for Morgan Stanley on Wall St.
Mark Bernstein, 55, of Belle Harbor, drives to Riis Landing because parking there is free. But he has missed the return ferry more than once, forcing him to take a cumbersome trip to retrieve his car from the parking lot at the end of the day.
"I had to take the dirty subway," Bernstein said.
