People Moving: New York City
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New York to Launch Citywide Ferry Service in 2017
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio announced March 16 that the Citywide Ferry Service is on track to launch next year, with the selection of Hornblower, Inc. as its operator. The first citywide ferry system in more than a century will be priced at the cost of a single subway ride, and operate from 21 landings across the city. When fully operational by 2018, Citywide Ferry Service will carry an estimated 4.6 million trips per year across six routes, providing new transportation to communities where housing and jobs are growing fast. The new service will fully integrate the East River Ferry, resulting in lower fares for its 4,000 daily riders.
"For the price of a single subway ride, tens-of-thousands of New Yorkers are going to have a new public transit option linking them to jobs, education and opportunities across the city. It’s going to be a commute like no other: fresh air, harbor views and a fast ride on the open water," said Mayor de Blasio. "We are selecting an operator with an incredible track record providing service in our harbor. We look forward to launching with Hornblower next year."
Hornblower has operated in the New York Harbor for a decade and carries 13 million passengers every year, and currently employs more than 450 people in the New York Harbor. The Citywide Ferry Service will generate at least 155 jobs. Crew will earn wages above $15 per hour, along with a comprehensive benefits package.
As part of the service, Hornblower will be delivering at least 18 new boats, which will be equipped with Wi-Fi and engines that meet the highest EPA standards. All docks and boats will be accessible to people in wheelchairs and fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
More than half a million New Yorkers live within a half-mile of one of the 21 Citywide Ferry landings, including 15,000 families living in New York City Housing Authority developments. Combined routes will cover more than 60 miles of waterway.
The city is investing $55 million in infrastructure upgrades, including building 10 new ferry landings and rehabilitating six others. Construction is currently underway at a facility on Staten Island. The city will provide $30 million in operating support annually for six years.
The selection of Hornblower marks the culmination of a year-long competitive procurement by the New York City Economic Development Corporation. Following the announcement of the Citywide Ferry Service in the Mayor’s 2015 State of the City Address, NYCEDC issued a public RFP seeking one or more private operators to provide the Citywide Ferry Service. NYCEDC received multiple responses and selected Hornblower on the basis of its ability to provide the highest quality service at the best value to taxpayers.
"The greatest expansion of Citywide Ferry Service in New York in a century will provide direct connectivity to under-served waterfront communities around the boroughs, while enabling resiliency, redundancy and development for our city," said NYCEDC President Maria Torres-Springer. "We’re very excited to be working with Hornblower, which will build upon their years of experience in New York Harbor to deliver this vital system at the highest quality and value for the people of New York."
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio announced March 16 that the Citywide Ferry Service is on track to launch next year, with the selection of Hornblower, Inc. as its operator. The first citywide ferry system in more than a century will be priced at the cost of a single subway ride, and operate from 21 landings across the city. When fully operational by 2018, Citywide Ferry Service will carry an estimated 4.6 million trips per year across six routes, providing new transportation to communities where housing and jobs are growing fast. The new service will fully integrate the East River Ferry, resulting in lower fares for its 4,000 daily riders.
"For the price of a single subway ride, tens-of-thousands of New Yorkers are going to have a new public transit option linking them to jobs, education and opportunities across the city. It’s going to be a commute like no other: fresh air, harbor views and a fast ride on the open water," said Mayor de Blasio. "We are selecting an operator with an incredible track record providing service in our harbor. We look forward to launching with Hornblower next year."
Hornblower has operated in the New York Harbor for a decade and carries 13 million passengers every year, and currently employs more than 450 people in the New York Harbor. The Citywide Ferry Service will generate at least 155 jobs. Crew will earn wages above $15 per hour, along with a comprehensive benefits package.
As part of the service, Hornblower will be delivering at least 18 new boats, which will be equipped with Wi-Fi and engines that meet the highest EPA standards. All docks and boats will be accessible to people in wheelchairs and fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
More than half a million New Yorkers live within a half-mile of one of the 21 Citywide Ferry landings, including 15,000 families living in New York City Housing Authority developments. Combined routes will cover more than 60 miles of waterway.
The city is investing $55 million in infrastructure upgrades, including building 10 new ferry landings and rehabilitating six others. Construction is currently underway at a facility on Staten Island. The city will provide $30 million in operating support annually for six years.
The selection of Hornblower marks the culmination of a year-long competitive procurement by the New York City Economic Development Corporation. Following the announcement of the Citywide Ferry Service in the Mayor’s 2015 State of the City Address, NYCEDC issued a public RFP seeking one or more private operators to provide the Citywide Ferry Service. NYCEDC received multiple responses and selected Hornblower on the basis of its ability to provide the highest quality service at the best value to taxpayers.
"The greatest expansion of Citywide Ferry Service in New York in a century will provide direct connectivity to under-served waterfront communities around the boroughs, while enabling resiliency, redundancy and development for our city," said NYCEDC President Maria Torres-Springer. "We’re very excited to be working with Hornblower, which will build upon their years of experience in New York Harbor to deliver this vital system at the highest quality and value for the people of New York."
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