NYC Ferry Hits Record Ridership: A Taxpayer Win or Subsidy Strain?
The NYC Ferry system has set a new annual ridership record, with nearly 6.9 million rides in 2024. City officials view this increase as a positive sign that the service is a good investment for taxpayers.
NYC Ferry started in 2017. It has helped many riders save time on their commutes. For example, people in the Bronx and Rockaway save around 20 to 30 minutes each way by using the ferry.
However, the ferry’s ridership is still low compared to the subway. The nearly 7 million ferry rides this year represent less than 1% of the over 1 billion subway rides during the same time.
Critics have questioned the ferry system since its launch. Riders pay a $4.50 fare, but the city subsidizes each ride by about $9 on average. In contrast, subway riders benefit from a subsidy of less than $2 per ride. A report from city Comptroller Brad Lander in 2022 revealed that taxpayer funding for the ferry service was underreported for years.
What initiatives is NYC Ferry implementing to increase awareness and ridership in underserved communities?
Interview with Franny Civitano, Deputy Director of NYC Ferry
On the occasion of the NYC Ferry system’s achievement of a new annual ridership record, we spoke with Franny Civitano, deputy director of NYC Ferry, to discuss the significance of this milestone, the ongoing debate over subsidies, and the future of ferry transportation in New York City.
News Directory 3: Franny, congratulations on reaching nearly 6.9 million rides in 2024! What do you think has driven this new record in ridership?
Franny Civitano: Thank you! We are thrilled to reach this milestone. Several factors have contributed to this growth. For one, the ferry offers a unique travel experience – it’s not just a mode of transportation; it’s scenic and pleasant, which many New Yorkers appreciate. Additionally, we’re seeing more commuters from areas like the Bronx and Rockaway who are turning to the ferry to save valuable time during their daily commutes. Many riders can save 20 to 30 minutes each way, which is significant in a city where every minute counts.
News Directory 3: Despite this increase, how do you address concerns regarding the relatively low ridership compared to the subway?
Franny Civitano: It’s true that the ferry serves a smaller number of riders in comparison to the subway. However, we view the ferry as a complementary service to the existing subway system. While over 1 billion subway rides take place annually, we are proud of our accomplishments in attracting riders, especially in underserved areas. The goal is to provide more options for New Yorkers, and we believe that as awareness of the service grows, so will our ridership numbers.
News Directory 3: Critics have pointed to the high subsidies required to operate the ferry system. Can you explain why these subsidies are necessary and if there are plans to manage them moving forward?
Franny Civitano: High subsidies are indeed necessary to keep fares low and make the ferry an accessible option for all New Yorkers. The $4.50 fare does not reflect the true cost of each ride, hence the city subsidizes about $9 per ride on average. This helps us maintain affordability for our passengers. That said, we have made strides in reducing the subsidy by 30% since its peak in fiscal year 2020. Mayor Adams has also proposed fare adjustments and discounts for low-income riders, which aim to streamline funding while still ensuring the ferry remains a viable option for our community.
News Directory 3: How has the introduction of fare changes affected ridership trends?
Franny Civitano: Interestingly, despite the fare changes, we have continued to see ridership growth. This indicates that New Yorkers find real value in our service, and they’re willing to adapt to changes in price when they recognize the time and convenience benefits of taking the ferry. Our aim is to create a sustainable service that will grow with the needs of our riders.
News Directory 3: Looking ahead, what are your goals for the NYC Ferry system in the coming years?
Franny Civitano: Our primary goals are to continue increasing ridership, enhance service quality, and expand our reach to even more communities. By fostering partnerships and increasing public awareness, we hope to turn the ferry into an indispensable part of the city’s transportation network. We believe that with continuous improvements and insights from our riders, NYC Ferry can become more financially stable and better serve New York City for years to come.
News Directory 3: Thank you for your insights, Franny. We look forward to seeing how NYC Ferry continues to evolve and serve the community.
Franny Civitano: Thank you! We’re excited about the future and appreciate the opportunity to share our vision.
In 2022, Mayor Eric Adams announced plans to increase the base fare for the ferry from $2.75 to reduce subsidies. He also introduced discounts for low-income New Yorkers.
Franny Civitano, deputy director of NYC Ferry, stated that high subsidies are necessary to keep fares low. She believes that attracting more riders will help the ferry become more financially stable. Civitano noted that the subsidy has decreased by 30% since its peak in fiscal year 2020. Despite the fare changes, ridership continues to grow, showing that many New Yorkers find value in the ferry service.