NYCEDC Announces Improved Services for NYC Ferry this Summer

NYC Ferry Launches New Rockaway Reserve Ticketing Option, Allows Riders Guaranteed Spot on Peak Rockaway Weekend Departures, Increased Capacity and Flexibility for Beach Goers  

Rockaway Rocket Returns with Limited Time Service from Brooklyn Bridge Park/Pier 6 with Non-Stop Service to Rockaway 

NYC Ferry Continues Ferry Forward Plan to Make the Ferry System More Financially Sustainable, Equitable, and Accessible for All New Yorkers 

NEW YORK, NY—Today, the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and NYC Ferry announced continued improvements to accommodate higher volumes of ridership throughout the summer months and decrease rider subsidy. These changes will increase frequency on Rockaway weekends at peak ridership times, expand opportunities for guaranteed boarding, and pilot a new express route for New Yorkers getting to the Rockaways on weekends. 

On July 1, the Rockaway Reserve will launch. The Rockaway Reserve will offer reservable seats on every peak departure on the Rockaway route from both Wall Street/Pier 11 and Brooklyn Army Terminal/Sunset Park. A dedicated number of tickets will be available for reservation two weeks before a trip date at $10 per ticket, while remaining seats will be available for regular-ticket riders. Riders who purchase a Rockaway Reserve ticket are guaranteed a spot on the specific departure time reserved. Tickets will be available on weekends and holiday departures from July 1 to September 4. NYC Ferry will also add an additional boat during weekend service, increasing total capacity by 25 percent – ensuring all riders have greater flexibility and reliability for summer service to the Rockaways.

On August 12, the Rockaway Rocket is coming back with limited time service out of Brooklyn. Building off the success of last year’s dedicated beach service vessel, Rockaway Rocket-Brooklyn, will provide two morning trips to Rockaway from Brooklyn Bridge Park-Pier 6 and two afternoon return trips. These trips will be fully reserved for $10 and will run on four weekends starting August 12 through Labor Day Weekend.

“After the success of last year’s Rockaway Rocket, we are excited to be bringing new and additional improvements for beach goers and regular riders this summer,” said NYCEDC President & CEO Andrew Kimball. “These two new pilot programs are designed to make the entire NYC Ferry system more enjoyable, accessible, and efficient. As ridership continues to break records, it’s clear New Yorkers are endorsing the NYC Ferry Forward vision to create a more accessible, equitable and fiscally sustainable ferry system.” 

“There’s no better place to be than Rockaway in the summertime. And with the expansion of quick, efficient ferry service to Rockaway, there’s no excuse to not to jump onboard and spent your time and, most importantly, your money enjoying the best of what the Peninsula has to offer,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “Better utilizing our waterways is both smart, climate-friendly policy and the most enjoyable trip our transit system can offer. Thank you to all our government partners for making this expansion possible — see you all on board!” 

“The only way to make a beach day better in New York is a fast, reliable ferry to get you there and back,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “Rockaway Reserve and Rockaway Rocket will encourage people to leave behind dangerous, gas-guzzling cars in favor of public transit that is safe, easy, and environmentally friendly. Thank you to NYCEDC and NYC Ferry for helping make this summer one of the best yet.”

“Mayor Adams’ NYC Ferry Forward vision continues to drive successful results and provide New Yorkers with more accessible, convenient, and efficient rider experiences onboard NYC Ferry,” said Timothy O’Brien, SVP of Ferries and Transportation, Hornblower Group. “As the founding operator of NYC Ferry, Hornblower Group is proud launch these new initiatives with NYCEDC. We are looking forward to welcoming millions of riders onboard NYC Ferry this summer and continuing the strong momentum of our record-setting start to the year.” 

The improvements to Rockaway service continue to support the "NYC Ferry Forward" plan, announced last summer, to create a more fiscally sustainable NYC Ferry system. The Rockaway Reserve does so by increasing the revenue potential of a Rockaway trip by 60 percent while ensuring the majority of seats remain available for base fare riders. The Rockaway Reserve offers 15 percent more reservable seats than last year’s pilot and improves flexibility by allowing riders to choose from 24 different departures to and from the Rockaways. This service also allows Sunset Park riders the opportunity to reserve their spots to and from the beach, improving the ferry experience for all. Tickets purchased at the $4.00 base fare, at $2.75 as part of the ten-pack, or $1.35 discounted tickets will all be accepted for non-reserved seats.

Other NYC Ferry Forward initiatives include the South Brooklyn Faster Connections pilot, which reduced travel time along the South Brooklyn route, including reducing travel time from Bay Ridge to Lower Manhattan by more than 20 minutes. Additionally, the Ferry Discount Program continues to grow with approved applications increasing approximately 3-5 percent per week, with a total of over 7,000 participants.

The Ferry Discount Program makes $1.35 tickets available for people with disabilities, seniors, and participants in the Fair Fares NYC program. Sign up today at ferry.nyc/discount. 

About NYCEDC    
New York City Economic Development Corporation 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, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.