STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A proposal to enhance the NYC Ferry system by reinstating a connection between Staten Island and Brooklyn has stirred excitement among community members following an information session hosted by the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) earlier this week.
The planned changes aim to extend the current St. George route, enabling ferries to traverse New York City Harbor from Staten Island’s North Shore to Bay Ridge before continuing to Brooklyn Bridge Park.
As ferries on the new route would effectively increase the operational area, they are set to run every 34 minutes during peak weekday hours and summer weekends, with a frequency of every 50 minutes during off-peak hours on weekdays.
Currently, the St. George line operates every 28 minutes during peak times and every 41 minutes during off-peak periods.
Agency representatives highlighted that the objective is to create better connections for commuters, particularly for those traveling between boroughs.
Selena C. from New Brighton expressed her enthusiasm about the proposed connection, emphasizing its potential benefits for workers and families.
“It would be very much appreciated for the people who work and just go to the other boroughs from Staten Island,” she said.
Selena, who travels to Queens, believes having direct access to Brooklyn would make adventures with her children much easier.
“I’m looking forward to it and I’m hoping they do it soon,” she added, requesting not to disclose her last name for the report.
The anticipated ferry route would commence from Midtown West at Pier 79, proceeding to Battery Park City and St. George before crossing the harbor to Bay Ridge.
From there, the ferries would head to Atlantic Avenue at Brooklyn Bridge Park and conclude their journey at Wall Street, Pier 11, where travelers could connect with the extensive ferry system along the East River, including destinations such as Governor’s Island, Astoria, and Long Island City.
Before any changes become permanent, the EDC intends to gather rider feedback through a survey regarding the proposed adjustments.
The feedback collection will continue through the summer months, with the final route alterations expected to be announced in September.
Officials anticipate that any changes will likely take effect in the upcoming winter season.
Kiki Black, a tour guide from St. George, expressed her eagerness for the ferry service, stating she would “definitely” utilize a ferry running between Staten Island and Brooklyn.
“I lead a lot of groups on Staten Island, and it would be great to have that option to go to Brooklyn from here,” Kiki remarked.
She highlighted the challenges faced by visitors traveling to Staten Island without direct ferry access, stating that many had to take two buses to arrive.
“They would like it too, to see Staten Island. It would be good for Staten Island,” she concluded.
Earlier this month, NYC Ferry initiated discussions about broader changes to the city’s fast ferry system, announcing the return of an essential ferry route between St. George and Bay Ridge.
These changes are largely aimed at improving travel times, increasing the frequency of trips, and reducing the public subsidy per ferry ride.
Support for establishing a Staten Island-Bay Ridge ferry connection has long been strong among local elected officials and community members alike.
Councilmember Kamillah Hanks, who represents the North Shore, previously sent a letter to Mayor Eric Adams in December, urging the introduction of ferry service between St. George and Bay Ridge.
In a collaborative effort, Hanks referenced that this fast ferry connection would allow Staten Islanders to access the MTA’s Interborough Express, a planned light rail project connecting Brooklyn and Queens, directly from Bay Ridge.
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