NYC Ferry Announces Fare Increases, Expands Discount Tickets to Middle School Students
Fare Increases Takes Effect October 19
200,000 Additional Students Now Eligible for Discounted NYC Ferry Trips to and from School
NEW YORK, NY—New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) today announced a modest fare adjustment for NYC Ferry and the expansion of discounted ferry tickets to include middle school students citywide. The fare changes take effect October 19, 2026, while expanded student eligibility became available September 1, 2026.
Under the updated fare structure, the NYC Ferry base one-way fare will increase from $4.50 to $5.00. The ten-trip pass will increase from $29.00 to $30.00, maintaining a per-trip cost of $3.00, equivalent to the current subway and local bus fare. The reduced one-way fare will increase from $1.45 to $1.50, and the two-day unlimited ticket will become a permanent fare product while remaining priced at $15.00.
New York City students in grades 6 through 8 are now eligible for discounted weekday ferry trips to and from school, joining high school students who already qualify. The expansion makes the program available to approximately 200,000 additional middle school students across New York City. Middle and high school students can access discount codes through their NYC Schools Accounts and use those codes to purchase student discount tickets.
“NYC Ferry continues to connect New Yorkers to jobs, schools, neighborhoods, and waterfront destinations across the five boroughs,” said NYCEDC President & CEO Anthony Shorris. “These fare changes will help support the long-term sustainability of the system while ensuring that students and other discount program participants continue to have access to affordable ferry service.”
“NYC Ferry is seeing unprecedented demand, again setting ridership records over the course of this year as more New Yorkers choose the ferry as part of their daily travel,” said NYC Ferry Executive Director James Wong. “By minimizing impacts on frequent riders and expanding access to middle school students, we are continuing to grow a ferry system that is accessible, reliable, and responsive to riders’ needs.”
The updated fare structure places the largest increase on the base fare most commonly used by occasional riders while limiting increases for frequent riders and Ferry Discount Program participants. The changes are expected to help offset inflation-linked operating cost increases while supporting continued ridership growth. The fare adjustment continues NYCEDC’s approach of regular, measured fare reviews that balance affordability, ridership growth, and the system’s financial sustainability.
NYC Ferry continues to experience record demand, reaching its highest daily and weekly ridership levels in Summer 2026. The system connects riders to waterfront neighborhoods across New York City, providing convenient service for commuting, recreation, and exploring the city.
About NYCEDC
New York City Economic Development Corporation is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization that creates shared prosperity across New York City by strengthening neighborhoods and creating good jobs. We work with and for communities to bring emerging industries to New York City; develop spaces and facilities for businesses; empower New Yorkers through training and skill-building; and invest in sustainable and innovative projects that make the city a great place to live and work. To learn more about what we do, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
