The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and Hornblower, operator of the NYC Ferry system, on Thursday, January 11 released final ridership numbers for its inaugural season.
As of December 31, NYC Ferry had served approximately 2,890,000 riders across all four routes currently in operation – almost 800,000 or 34 percent more than its anticipated 2.1 million riders. Its boats also completed more than 37,000 trips, traveling more than 350,000 miles.
Acting on its high ridership, NYC Ferry will be adding capacity to six new boats beginning this year. These new vessels will be outfitted with bigger engines and will have a cap of 349 passengers.
Locally, the South Brooklyn route – which connects Bay Ridge with Sunset Park, Red Hook and Manhattan – serviced approximately 464,000 riders since its launch on June 1.
“NYC Ferry has proven to be more popular than we could have hoped, and nearly three million riders agree it’s the best way to get around the city,” said NYCEDC President and CEO James Patchett. “Now we’re looking forward to launching two more routes in 2018, helping even more riders connect to good jobs and opportunities.”
“Almost three million riders have chosen to work, live, play throughout New York harbor and discover new untapped waterfront destinations across the city with NYC Ferry,” said Cameron Clark, senior VP for NYC Ferry operated by Hornblower. “We’re excited to continue building out the system and creating new opportunities and connections for riders with the launch of our Lower East Side and Soundview routes later this year.”
Heavy winds create Verrazzano traffic nightmare 
Morning bus layover proposed at busy S79 stop