New York City’s ferry system will roll out its first systemwide route redesign Monday, aimed at speeding up trips and expanding service across the five boroughs.
Under the redesign, which was finalized in early November, the East River route will be split into two separate routes for most of the day, increasing available seats and reducing travel times during peak periods. A local East River route will continue to serve all stops midday on weekdays and on winter weekends.
What You Need To Know
New York City’s ferry system will roll out its first systemwide route redesign Monday, aimed at speeding up trips and expanding service across the five boroughs
Under the redesign, which was finalized in early November, the East River route will be split into two separate routes for most of the day, increasing available seats and reducing travel times during peak periods
The Soundview and Rockaway routes are being combined, allowing riders from Rockaway and Sunset Park to reach Midtown and East 90th Street without transferring
The St. George route from Staten Island will now connect to Brooklyn and the rest of the ferry system, giving Staten Island riders access to Manhattan’s west side for the first time
South Brooklyn service will also offer direct rides to Midtown for Red Hook and Atlantic Avenue residents, with increased frequency during peak hours
The Soundview and Rockaway routes are being combined, allowing riders from Rockaway and Sunset Park to reach Midtown and East 90th Street without transferring. Rockaway shuttle buses will continue to operate during weekday peak hours and summer weekends.
The St. George route from Staten Island will now connect to Brooklyn and the rest of the ferry system, giving Staten Island riders access to Manhattan’s west side for the first time.
South Brooklyn service will also offer direct rides to Midtown for Red Hook and Atlantic Avenue residents, with increased frequency during peak hours.
(Courtesy of NYC Ferry)
A summer weekend pilot in 2026, meanwhile, plans to extend South Brooklyn service to Bay Ridge and Sunset Park. That plan will be evaluation next fall.
NYC Ferry is also expanding infrastructure to support the changes.
The East 34th Street Ferry Terminal will be upgraded to add more slips and waiting capacity, and a second ferry port is planned in Red Hook.
Two future landings have been identified for development at 125th Street in East Harlem and MADE Bush Terminal in Sunset Park, according to the city’s Economic Development Corporation.
The redesign marks the first major overhaul since the system launched in 2017.