by Ted Scull

(Photos by the author)

New York City’s NYC Ferry has recently (fall 2022) updated the fares, special offers, and restrictions for the service provided by its fleet of 38 catamarans that call at some 25 landings in the five boroughs. The city’s Economic Development Corporation oversees this ferry operation and is completely separate from New York City Transit’s subways and buses which are operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), a state agency.

The ferry system is popular with many commuters that heretofore had little convenient access to subways and buses, especially those living close to the East River and along Upper New York Bay, and with casual riders and tourists who now have easy access to many popular waterfront neighborhoods and attractions. However, at the original base fare of $2.75, the subsidy came to $13 for each full-fare ride.

The base fare has now been increased to $4.00 for a one-way ride, plus, as before, a free transfer to another route if used within 120 minutes. A round trip over the same route is not permitted. For more frequent riders, a ten-trip pass costs $27.50 and expires after 90 days. Use of this pass brings the one-way fare down to $2.75. Bicycles are carried at no charge.

A $1.35 fare is available for those 65 and older and those with disabilities. One must apply for this discount at the Wall Street Pier. Be sure to check the website for what forms of identification are accepted for the reduced fare, and note that the waiting time for acceptance may be about 30 days.

Ticket machines selling single full-fare tickets and 10-trip passes are available at every landing. These machines accept cash and credit cards. However, use of the NYC Ferry app is encouraged for most transactions and to board the ferries using your cell phone. If you do not have access to a cell phone or are unfamiliar with the app, it may be wise to buy one for a whole host of reasons beyond NYC Ferry use.

Study the ferry routes and you may find some amazingly attractive rides to places you never thought of visiting. For example, the Soundview route begins at Wall Street, makes several East River calls then twists through the scenic Hell Gate to Bronx landings at Soundview, an attractive waterside neighborhood, and further along to Throgs Neck, with access to parks and creative hikes. The South Brooklyn route calls at Bay Ridge, a most attractive residential waterside community worthy of exploration. You can then walk back along the shoreline into Industry City, where buildings once connected to the marine cargo trade now host restaurants, specialty shops and indoor and outdoor attractions.

If you want to sample a short stretch of the Lower Bay and the sense of being close to the Atlantic Ocean, then ride the Rockaway route for its access to beaches and seaside residences. The boats get very crowded on most weekends in the warm weather months.

Upper Eastsiders have two NYC Ferry routes south from the East 92^nd Street landing to Wall Street. The fast route makes just three stops, while the second route, a wonderful sightseeing itinerary, crosses to Astoria Queens then travels via the East Channel to a stop at Roosevelt Island before entering the historic Brooklyn Navy Yard. One gets an overview of what makes this industrial site such a success – ships depositing bulk cargoes or being overhauled in a graving dock, layup berths for ferries, the headquarters for the city’s fleet of super-powerful fireboats – plus, out of sight in the surrounding buildings, light industry, office space and movie studios. There is an excellent museum with exhibits on the history of the Navy Yard in Building 92 (enter from Flushing Avenue). With the exceptions of visiting the museum or using the ferry landing, one has to have business in the Navy Yard to access the facility.

For additional information on routes and schedules be sure to visit the NYC Ferry website at www.ferry.nyc.