NYC Ferry announced today a record-setting start to the year, with more than 1,081,878 riders traveling onboard the system between January 1 and March 31, 2024. Comparatively, last year’s annual ridership record during this period, reached 1,009,017 passengers, marking a strong outset to the 2024 spring season. The fast start to 2024 exceeds 2023 by more than 7% during the same period while surpassing pre-pandemic 2019 by 42.05%, or 320,252 riders. Between January and March 2024, the East River, Astoria, Soundview, and St. George routes each exceeded 2023, with the East River Route serving an increase of more than 41,455 passengers.
“NYC Ferry is off to another record-breaking start to the year as we continue to see more and more New Yorkers utilize our ferry system and waterways,” said NYCEDC President & CEO Andrew Kimball. “NYC Ferry and NYCEDC are moving full steam ahead as we continue to create a more accessible, equitable and fiscally sustainable ferry system for all New Yorkers to enjoy.”
“We are thrilled to kick off 2024 with such remarkable momentum for NYC Ferry,” said Tim O’Brien, Senior Vice President, Ferries and Transportation for Hornblower Group. “The record-breaking ridership figures underscore the continued demand for accessible, reliable, and efficient transportation options in New York City. As we move forward, we remain committed to supporting Mayor Adam’s Ferry Forward program and working alongside NYCEDC to serve the needs of New Yorkers and its communities.”
The record-setting start to 2024 comes as NYC Ferry begins its spring schedule to meet increased demand during the warmer months.NYC Ferry’s Spring 2024 schedule, which began on Saturday, March 30, includes the below updates:
- Starting March 30, the South Brooklyn route resumes service to Governors Island on weekdays and weekends.
- NYC Ferry will provide early-morning weekend service between Red Hook and Pier 11 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., when cruise ships are at Brooklyn Cruise Terminal: April 7, 28; May 4, 5, 12 and 19.
- Some departure times on the Astoria and South Brooklyn routes have changed to provide more reliable service during peak times. Please review schedules at ferry.nyc or in the NYC Ferry app to view changes.
- NYC Ferry’s Midtown Shuttle Bus serving the E. 34th Street landing is being discontinued. The last day of operation for the shuttle bus will be Friday, March 29th. Riders are encouraged to visit mta.info for nearby alternatives including the M34-SBS and M15. NYC Ferry tickets are not valid for travel on MTA services.
For schedules, real-time service alerts, and ticketing information, visit ferry.nyc or the NYC Ferry app.
.
About NYCEDC
New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization that works for a vibrant, inclusive, and globally competitive economy for all New Yorkers. We take a comprehensive approach, through four main strategies: strengthen confidence in NYC as a great place to do business; grow innovative sectors with a focus on equity; build neighborhoods as places to live, learn, work, and play; and deliver sustainable infrastructure for communities and the city’s future economy. To learn more about what we do, visit us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
About Hornblower Group
Hornblower Group is a global leader in experiences and transportation. Spanning a 100-year history, Hornblower Group’s portfolio of international offerings includes water-based experiences (dining and sightseeing cruises), land-based experiences (walking tours, food tours and excursions) and ferry and transportation services. City Experiences, Hornblower Group’s premier experience division, offers land- and water-based experiences as well as ferry and transportation services. Hornblower Marine, a subsidiary of Hornblower Group, provides vessel outhaul and maintenance services at Bridgeport Boatworks in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Seaward Services, Inc., a subsidiary of Hornblower Group, is a marine services company specializing in the operation, maintenance and repair of government and privately owned vessels. Additionally, Anchor Operating System, LLC, a subsidiary of Hornblower Group and independent entity, provides reservation, ticketing and website integration services for clients in the transportation, tourism and entertainment industries. Today, Hornblower Group’s global portfolio covers more than 100 countries and territories, over 60 U.S. cities and serves more than 30 million guests annually. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, Hornblower Group’s additional corporate offices reside in Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; London, United Kingdom; New York, New York; Dublin, Ireland; and across Ontario, Canada. For more information, please visit hornblowercorp.com
