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Analysis Of The New York City Ferry Program

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The New York City Ferry Program was launched in May of this year as a means of providing residents with an alternative mode of transportation. The service is expected to have 10 boats on 9 routes and carry about 4.5 million people annually. The ferries are operated by Hornblower Cruises and a trip costs $2.75 one way. Each ship is 85 feet long and can carry up to 150 people. Also, they are outfitted with battery charging stations and free WiFi.

A joint study was conducted between 2010 and 2013 by the NYC Department of Transportation, NYC Economic Development Corporation, and the NYC and Company to determine the feasibility of adding the ferries to the city's transportation infrastructure. The study observed and analyzed the impact the …show more content…

He is the author of "Critique of the 2012 NYCEDC Coney Island Ferry Feasibility Study." He asserts that there are several discrepancies in the 2012 feasibility study.

The 2012 study concluded that a ferry would only appeal to Coney Island visitors. Ioannou argues that Coney Island residents would definitely prefer a scenic 29 minute ride into Manhattan instead of a boring 1 hour ride in a congested subway car.

Also, the 2012 study suggested that there may not be enough Coney Island residents commuting to Manhattan. Ioannou asserts that the Stillwell Avenue station has more weekday riders than all of the 9 Rockaway stations combined! Below are his figures.

The 2012 study also suggests that a ferry dock in the Coney Island Creek would be to far away from the visitor attractions. Thus, a bus trip between the ferry terminal and the amusement parks would add to the cost of the trip. Ioannou disputes this by indicating that a bus trip isn't necessary because the distance between the 2 points is only 3 blocks or 0.4 miles. This is same distance between the Rockaway ferry terminal and boardwalk.

Ioannou believes that the biggest hurdle preventing Coney Island from getting a ferry route is the mayor and the NYCEDC. There won't be another feasibility study until after the 5 initial ferry routes have been implemented and have shown to be profitable. Coney Island is a major destination for many New

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