“From Throgs Neck to the Rockaways, our city’s ferries give New Yorkers and tourists alike a convenient, affordable way to travel across the five boroughs,” Adams said. “Thanks to smart investments to make our ferry system more accessible, affordable, and sustainable, we’ve already shattered ridership records this summer, and with this comprehensive redesign, we’ll embark on the next great stretch of NYC Ferry’s journey to bring this dynamic service to even more New Yorkers.”
The new routes are part of the ferry system’s 2025 Optimization Plan, the first comprehensive redesign of the network since its 2017 launch. The plan responds to the system’s continued growth: in 2024, the ferries carried a record 7.4 million passengers, and as of May 2025, ridership is up five percent from the same period last year, as 6sqft previously reported.
Under the plan, the East River route will be split into two to improve capacity and speed. A local route will serve all stops along the river during midday on weekdays and on winter weekends to maintain connectivity.
The Soundview and Rockaway routes will merge, giving Rockaway riders a one-seat trip to Midtown and East 90th Street while filling previously underused boats headed towards the Bronx during morning commutes.
Staten Island’s St. George route will connect to Brooklyn, offering a public transit alternative to the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. According to SILive.com, a ferry used to run between the two boroughs, but it was put out of service after the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge opened in 1964.
“I am thrilled that Staten Island is finally being connected to the full NYC Ferry system. This long-overdue expansion is not just a victory for transit equity but a vital step forward in strengthening our borough’s connection to the rest of the city,” Council Member Kamillah Hanks, who represents parts of the borough.
“By linking Staten Island to Brooklyn and Pier 11, we are unlocking new opportunities for commuters, supporting our local economy, and reaffirming Staten Island’s role in New York City’s future. I commend NYCEDC for their vision and commitment to delivering on this critical need.”
Plus, for the first time, service will also provide a direct link from Brooklyn to Manhattan’s west side.
The South Brooklyn route will add a one-seat ride to Midtown, improving frequency and connecting Red Hook and Atlantic Avenue residents with the city’s central business district.
Additionally, NYCEDC will launch a pilot program in South Brooklyn during summer weekends in 2026, extending the new South Brooklyn route to Bay Ridge and Sunset Park to improve local connections. The pilot will be reviewed and evaluated in fall 2026.
According to a NYCEDC report also released Monday, the agency intends to expand the East 34th Street Ferry Terminal and add new landings at East 125th Street in East Harlem and at MADE-Bush Terminal in Sunset Park.
The proposed 125th Street ferry stop would bring service to East Harlem, a neighborhood in high need of additional transit options. According to a press release, the community has long called for better connectivity, particularly to complement the ongoing Manhattan Greenway Harlem River project.
In Sunset Park, the area surrounding the proposed MADE-Bush Terminal has evolved into a dynamic mixed-use hub in recent years. The Bush Terminal, nearby South Brooklyn Marine Terminal, and numerous public and private redevelopment projects are driving economic growth and creating thousands of jobs. Despite this, the area still lacks direct ferry service, a gap the planned landing aims to fill.
The report also explored potential ferry expansions in Canarsie, where residents have long advocated for service to Manhattan. While there are no immediate plans to add a stop there, NYCEDC identified the neighborhood as a focus area for possible future expansion.
The expansion of NYC Ferry marks the continued growth of the system, which launched eight years ago. When service began in 2017, it included 21 stops connecting Far Rockaway to Lower Manhattan’s Pier 11, South Brooklyn to Wall Street, Queens to Midtown, and more. Today, NYC Ferry operates 25 stops across all five boroughs, stretching from the Bronx to Staten Island, as 6sqft previously reported.
In May, the NYCEDC announced plans to expand its popular “Rockaway Rocket” and “Rockaway Reserve” programs, offering more reserved seats at a new price of $12 per ticket, up from $10. The expanded service lets beachgoers reserve spots on the crowded ferries in advance.
