Surely the subsidy can't be the same no matter how many riders there are? I mean the subsidy would be the expected revenue shortfall divided by the expected number of passengers. But if there are more passengers, there would be more revenue (less shortfall) so the calculation would be different. (I'm not sure how different). By the way, a 75% subsidy is pretty standard for public transport worldwide.
Good for NYC! I ride the Cape May Lewes Ferry frequently and love it. Beats the car!
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I hope this works out economically for the city and that they can increase capacity. Ferries make a lot of sense for the city and are certainly quicker and less expensive to ramp up. Perhaps the recreational users can negotiate a "bike lane" concept where they can ply the waters in some safety.
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When it was run by East River Ferry company, I was always able to get on the ferry, it was one time, impressive.
Now I have had all kinds of trouble with packed ferries skipping my stop, an extra 45 minutes to 90 minutes of waiting added on... Its been pretty bad.
I wouldn't mind, if it wasn't scorching hot on the pier, the sun blazing. But this can be quite intense. I ended up leaving the dock, both times, to walk to other modes of transit. Bummer.
Now I have had all kinds of trouble with packed ferries skipping my stop, an extra 45 minutes to 90 minutes of waiting added on... Its been pretty bad.
I wouldn't mind, if it wasn't scorching hot on the pier, the sun blazing. But this can be quite intense. I ended up leaving the dock, both times, to walk to other modes of transit. Bummer.
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Kudos! The Ferry routes are long, long overdue and a great option for commuters. Tourists will bring their business and it's a win-win. Coming from someone who has run Class 3 and 4 dam release runs and has watched the great work of the 'LIC Boathouse' folks, the 'paddling' zone closer to Socrates Park is fine for novices, and any Ferry wake reaching them is easily handled. I'm sure Captains would be aware of the summer weekend days they are afloat. The East River is not a River. It is a tidal channel that reverses direction twice a day. A kayak beyond the Cove would be a serious hazard to all. May I also recommend a 4' Kayak safety flag (preferably with the LED light) Happy paddling and ferry riding!
I am familiar with the general area where the Astoria ferry docks, and it seems to me it is filling what was a huge void in public transportation. Folks had no other options but to sometimes walk a full 10-15 minutes to then get a bus (the Q69 being especially slow-moving down the busy 21st Street) to the F at Queensbridge.
For the most part, this ferry is going to benefit the folks who live in the nearby projects, and/or those who live in the overprice 'luxury' buildings now along that same waterfront. Most other folks who live in that vicinity (esp. the long-standing residents) are likely more 'car people'. ;-)
For the most part, this ferry is going to benefit the folks who live in the nearby projects, and/or those who live in the overprice 'luxury' buildings now along that same waterfront. Most other folks who live in that vicinity (esp. the long-standing residents) are likely more 'car people'. ;-)
I like kayaking as much as the next guy, and paddle boarding, but I would not presume that my interests would be above those of the city of people who have few transportation choices. For a novice kayaker especially; this is an invitation to tragedy.
Sorry, but they need to find a new spot OR be cordoned off from the docking area.
Sorry, but they need to find a new spot OR be cordoned off from the docking area.
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Maybe I'm not understanding something about the conditions, but I've been to the Frying Pan restaurant on the west side's Pier 66 Maritime and watched the kayaks and paddle boards on the Hudson sharing space with.... cruise ships!
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The cruise ships aren't docking just yards away from where the kayaks are launching like the ferries are- while they are on the river, the kayaks and the cruise ships are separated by at least a 1/4 mile (it looks like less from shore).
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The ferries are a great idea and tourist attraction, especially for a city with a fabulous skyline, comprised of islands and waterways. What I don’t understand is why the fare should be so subsidized. Why not charge (at least) a double fare ($5.50)? That’s still a bargain and a lot more equitable for New Yorkers who never use the service.
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The recent ride I had from 34th st. to Wall St. was quite enjoyable. The fare should probably be raised some to reduce the subsidy. Non-native New Yorkers should pay more than natives. Addition tweaking will be necessary to reach an optimum level of success. Best of luck.
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KVM - "Non-native New Yorkers should pay more than natives"
I really thought that everyone was equal under the law. Perhaps native New Yorkers can start wearing Statue of Liberty patches on their clothing? Just to tell them apart.
I really thought that everyone was equal under the law. Perhaps native New Yorkers can start wearing Statue of Liberty patches on their clothing? Just to tell them apart.
Public transportation has always been hobbled by the lack of imagination of those responsible. We elect hacks and hacks appoint hacks to head agencies. Ferries aren't very imaginative but it's better than nothing.
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The ferry is a wonderful way to commute, but 1,800 riders per day with that immense subsidy? That's less than ONE subway train can fit. That's less than a drop in the bucket.
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How did you arrive at the figure of 1,800 riders per day? The service has been in operation since May 1. Four months of service equals 120 days. The article states that 1.4 million passengers have ridden the ferries to date. That comes to 11,666 passengers per day. The current actual total is higher, because as routes are added and more people discover the ferries, the daily total continues to rise. So yes, compared to the 5.7 million daily subway trips it still isn't much, but would you rather have those 12,000 or so riders on the subway along with you?
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New York City desperately needs new ways of providing transportation, especially innovative ones like this. Sorry kayaker , find a new venue. (And is it really essential to present news about the new ferry service as -- yet another -- 'we vs them' story?)
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The potential ability to significantly expand the public transit options in the city by using the water itself -- rather than spending billions to expand existing or build new bridges and tunnels -- should take priority over the relatively few people who are interested in a free kayaking program.
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I took the Rockaway route 12 days ago from Rockaway to Wall St. and then transferred to the East River route to 34th St. I loved every minute of it! It is hard to balance the needs of those who need better commuting options with those who use the water for recreation. No easy answer, but the ferry is also a form of recreation. I'd give it a 10. I'm a former New Yorker who was visiting and it was super. I would have no complaint if the city would charge out-of-towners like myself a higher price (say double, but no more than $10) than city residents, and reduce the amount that the subsidies cost. An hour ride on the Rockaway line is an absolute bargain at $2.75, with all the great views of the bridges, etc. Commuters need a subsidy, but for a one-time trip for a tourist, it's fair to charge more.
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