City Island shops, residents push for ferry service to cut commute time, boost economy
People who are advocating for the ferry service say this is not just creating accessibility to the island, but it's also about helping the local economy.
Congestion pricing for public transportation in New York City is going into effect soon, but some people who live or work on City Island are pushing for a ferry service.
City Island is a 1.5-mile-long seaside neighborhorhood of the Bronx with local waterfront restaurants and shops, but the thing its lacking is accessibility.
Residents face a 2-hour commute whether it's by car or by bus and train while trying to get into Manhattan.
The NYC Ferry conducted a study in 2019 and reports travel time to Manhattan would be quicker, but not many local residents would make use of the ferry.
People who are advocating for the ferry service say this is not just creating accessibility to the island, but it's also about helping the local economy.
Dan Treiber is the owner of Dan’s Parents’ House in the area, and he says from firsthand experience a ferry is good for business.
"We did the Brooklyn flea market about seven or eight years ago and we were in Williamsburg when they first put the ferry in there. People would get off the ferry and they would end up in the Brooklyn flea market and would shop our booth. It was honestly the most successful year we've ever had," Treiber says.
The NYC Ferry says they are not currently pursuing expansion options.
