Soundview’s historic ferry launch begins Wed., August 15th

Soundview’s historic ferry launch begins Wed., August 15th
Photo courtesy of NYC Ferry

Ferry service is coming to the borough!

The long-awaited Soundview ferry that will pick up and drop off passengers along a route that runs from Clason Point Park and Manhattan is scheduled to begin service on Wednesday, August 15, announced the NYC Economic Development Corporation.

The ferry route will include stops at East 90th Street on the Upper East Side, East 34th Street in Midtown and Wall Street/Pier 11 in lower Manhattan, according to EDC.

According to EDC, the ferry, which will be operated by Hornblower Cruises, will take about 45 minutes from Soundview to Wall Street.

Local elected officials hailed the service as another option for commuting in transit-starved communities that are often located along the waterfront and are relatively far from subway lines further inland in the borough.

Senator Jeff Klein, whose district includes parts of Soundview, said that in addition to that he expects the ferry to expand employment opportunities and he pledged to work with nearby homeowners to “ensure a seamless transition.”

“The ferry service will be a great relief to many Soundview residents who have for far too long been deprived of adequate transportation infrastructure and burdened with a long commute back and forth to work,” said Klein.

Klein added: “Improved transportation opens the doors to greater employment opportunities, recharges the local economy and allows our city’s workers to spend more time with their families.”

Senator Luis Sepulveda who represents much of Soundview and surrounding communities said he was glad to see that bus routes were extended to reach the ferry launch.

“I’m happy to see the long-awaited start of ferry service from Soundview to Manhattan, that along with recently extended Bx27 bus service, will hopefully serve thousands of Bronx commuters in my district and beyond,” said Sepulveda.

The senator believes that the ferry service will mean a quicker trip to Manhattan and help relieve overcrowding on local subway lines, while offering a refreshing and scenic ride.

“What could be better?” Sepulveda asked.

Cameron Clark, Hornblower Cruises senior vice president, said that the ferry would have the same basic fare of $2.75 as the subway and buses and will offer free transfers, so that riders who use it can transfer ferries and access Brooklyn and Queens for work or recreation.

Clark said that he visualized people car-pooling to the Soundview location. Once in Manhattan there are sometimes shuttles from the ferry slips to inland Manhattan landmarks.

He said he recently rode the ferry from Soundview to Wall Street, and said that it can be refreshing sail down the East River, in the process passing Roosevelt Island and the United Nations.

James Patchett, EDC president, noted that the addition of the Soundview launch is part of a larger transit expansion plan.

“We’re excited to launch NYC Ferry service in the Bronx, the Upper East Side and the Lower East Side, which have historically been transit deserts,” said Patchett.

The ferry’s hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 9:10 p.m. (23 Manhattan-bound trips leaving daily) and 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (19 Manhattan-bound trips leaving daily) on weekends.

For a complete arrival/departure schedule visit www.ferry.nyc and click on Sounview route. Tickets can also be purchased online.

Reach Reporter Patrick Rocchio at (718) 260–4597. E-mail him at procchio@cnglocal.com. Follow him on Twitter @patrickfrocchio.