Ferry fares are going up this fall. The city’s Economic Development Corporation announced that single-trip tickets will increase from $4 to $4.50 and the 10-trip pass will increase from $27.50 to $29, starting September 9. The new fare structure aims to reduce the system’s huge public subsidy while making the ferry more equitable.
In 2022, Mayor Eric Adams revealed the “NYC Ferry Forward” plan to tackle the public subsidy problem, which was at $8.55 per passenger at its peak, and introduce a discount fare program. Since the plan’s enactment, the per-passenger subsidy has decreased by over 30 percent.
As part of the 2023 operating agreement with Hornblower, NYCEDC, and NYC Ferry, several rider improvements have been rolled out, including Free WiFi on every vessel, expanded language access, and automatic audio and visual announcements on board. Future improvements include a text message and call system alerting riders of the ferry schedule and real-time seat and bike spot availability via the app.
According to the city, a record 7.1 million riders rode the ferry in 2024.
In addition to the single-trip fare increase, other initiatives announced by the city this week include a fare increase under the discount program, which will now cost participating riders $1.45 per trip, up from $1.35.
Starting September 1, New York City high school students will be able to participate in the discount program on weekdays; the city estimates over 350,000 students will be eligible.
Plus, the Rockway Rocket is back, providing beachgoers direct weekend service to Rockaway Beach from Long Island City and Greenpoint. For $10, riders can reserve seats to and from the beach. The special service will run from July 20 through Labor Day weekend.
The Rockaway Reserve takes riders from Pier 11 and Brooklyn Army Terminal to the beach; a $10 fare guarantees a spot on-board and departures every 25 minutes from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to the beach and from 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. to Wall Street.
“NYC Ferry keeps New Yorkers moving, whether it’s to work, to visit our beaches, or just to go for a beautiful, eco-friendly ride,” Adams said. “We’re continuing to make our ferry system more equitable, more sustainable, and more accessible through our Ferry Forward plan, and these latest updates will help keep our ferries on track. More and more New Yorkers are riding our ferries, and we’re going to keep delivering for them.”
RELATED:
