As of this week, single rides on the NYC ferry system will now cost $4, up from $2.75. The changes were announced by Mayor Eric Adams in July in an effort to rein in spending by NYC Ferry, which has operated at a loss since its creation.
The price hike is expected to generate an additional $6 million in revenue for the cash-strapped ferry system. However, it remains to be seen whether riders will be willing to pay the higher fares.
In recent years, NYC Ferry has struggled to attract riders, despite its high-profile launch in 2017. If riders abandon the ferry system in droves, it could end up being a costly mistake for the city.
Our updated fares are now in effect⛴
Learn more at: https://t.co/sHq9scXmqk pic.twitter.com/7B9oQQ4dwJ— NYC Ferry (@NYCferry) September 13, 2022
The increase in pricing has brought mixed reviews from riders:
And I say that as a pro-union, conservative, son of a railroad union organizer, @bradlander. Clean up the MESS, corruption, waste, and incompetence at @MTA. I know you lack those skills, and as a “progressive” (read: “Totalitarian”) you prefer people have no choices. But try
— JGCollins_NYC (@Jgcollins_NYC) September 12, 2022
Look at this insane line for the @NYCFerry in Rockaway Beach.
Make the fare for these transit yachts 15 dollars. pic.twitter.com/wtoX0BCeaZ
— JQ LLC (@ImpunityCity) September 14, 2022
NYC Ferry is one of the city’s greatest services and I have no problem with them raising the fare to $4 a ride pic.twitter.com/PNkf5XJIWl
— Jordan R (@falkelord) September 10, 2022
See more change details below:
ADDITIONAL SERVICE CHANGES
Along with the adjusted schedule, the following changes will be going into effect on September 12, 2022:
UPDATED BASE FARE
- One-Way ticket base fare will be $4.00.
NO 30-DAY PASSES
- 30-Day Passes will be eliminated, including the Standard Monthly Pass and the discounted Monthly Pass.
- 30-Day Passes purchased prior to 9/12/22 will continue to be valid for 365 days after purchase.
BICYCLE FEE ELIMINATED
- Riders will no longer be charged to bring their bike onboard.
- Bike One-Way, One-Way Pass with Bike, and 30-Day Pass with Bike will be eliminated
SAVE WITH THE NEW 10 TRIP PASS
- A Ten Trip Pass for $27.50 shall be introduced as a new fare option.
- $2.75 per trip purchased in the 10 Trip Pass
- A rider who purchases the Ten Trip Pass will pay $27.50 and will receive ten individual tickets.
FERRY DISCOUNT PROGRAM
- A reduced fare $1.35 One-Way Ticket shall be introduced as a new fare option as part of the Ferry Discount Program.
- The following participants shall be eligible for the program, which entitles riders to purchase a reduced fare $1.35 One-Way ticket:
- Senior Citizens, aged 65 and older
- Persons with disabilities
- Current participants in the Fair Fares NYC program
TICKETS EXPIRE AFTER 90 DAYS
- Starting September 12, 2022, all tickets, whether purchased via App or Ticket Vending Machine, will be valid for 90 days.
- All tickets sold prior to September 12, 2022, will continue to be valid for 365 days after purchase
