By Judy Rovins, President, Motivators Conferences Private and Public Development of High Speed Craft Underway for Next Century Alan Olmsted, Director, Private Ferry Operations, New York City, moderated the one day High Speed Ferry NE Conference and Trade Show. His opening introduction of Robert Grotell , Director of Transportation, New York City Mayor's Office, set the stage for Olmstead's recognition that traffic is shifting to the waterways. More specifically, New York City is expanding its role as a center of the high speed ferry.
Today there are more high speed craft in and around New York City than in prior years.
Short and middle distance routes are popular now. A number of projects in private and public development are underway for the next century, including public dollars for the Whitehall Tunnel and the St. George Tunnel. A new Pier 11 is under construction including a new terminal, coffee shop, public art space, garden and pickup on South Street for taxis and buses. Other projects include entry into the Hudson River and into midway Manhattan, a ferry terminal on 34th Street, permanent facilities on East 62nd Street, East 75th Street and East 90th Street. The ferry landing at Yankee Stadium has five ferry boats on the average unload for a game.