Ferries will transport commuters to and from Pier 17 at the South Street Seaport with stops at East 34th and East 90th Streets, east of FDR Drive. Ferry service is a natural mode of transportation for New York City. As has been demonstrated by the overwhelming response to Yankee Stadium service, New Yorkers are ready for alternative modes of transportation. We applaud Mayor Giuliani for his efforts to utilize New York's most precious natural resource, its waterways, to its fullest extent. The demonstration phase of East River commuter service will run at least until Friday, November 1, and will continue if customer interest warrants.
Ferry service is free for the first week.
NY Waterway, the largest privately-owned commuter ferry operator in the U.S., presently carries six million passengers per year on seven routes from New Jersey and Queens to Manhattan, reducing auto traffic and pollution in the Metropolitan area. The company presently is developing several additional routes. By providing commuters with an attractive, comfortable, reliable and safe way to get to work, NY Waterway has been serving its passengers, and the environment, since 1986. Ferries from New Jersey and Queens to Manhattan, keep more than 2,500 cars per day out of the city, reducing congestion and fumes from auto exhaust. Hassle free commuting is enhanced by NY Waterway's seamless connecting free shuttle bus routes.