Rockaway Ferry Slated to Run Through May

Today, Mayor de Blasio is expected to announce that the city will extend the Rockaway ferry service until May with an option to extend until August. This past summer, former Mayor Bloomberg announced the city would keep the ferry service running until January. The service started up after Hurricane Sandy and the $2 trip (which only takes 35 minutes) ended up being hugely popular with Rockaway residents. DNAinfo reports that the ride will now cost $3.50 each way. The route — from Beach 108th Street to the Brooklyn Army Terminal, Pier 11/Wall Street and East 34th Street — and the frequency of trips will remain the same.

According to DNAinfo, the Economic Development Corporation plans to issue a request for proposals this February in the effort to make the ferry a permanent transportation service. The EDC will evaluate ridership before they decide if the service will extend to August. Given the ferry’s popularity with Rockaway residents and local pols, an extension seems likely.

Rockaway Ferry Floats On Through May, But Trip Will Cost Nearly Double [DNAinfo]
Closing Bell: Rockaway Ferry Service Extended Through January [Q’Stoner]

Photo via NYCEDC