8/12/2019 Ferry Letter Final
1/2
June 12, 2014
Honorable Bill de Blasio
MayorCity of New YorkCity Hall
New York, NY 10007
RE: Permanent Rockaway Ferry Service
Dear Mayor de Blasio:
We the undersigned are writing to reiterate our support for the
inclusion of funding in the budget for
permanent ferry service from Rockaway Beach to Manhattan, with
stops in Brooklyn. This method oftransportation is not only vital
for commuters who live on the Rockaway Peninsula, but ferry service
is
absolutely essential to promoting tourism and economic
development for the communities within theRockaways.
Affordable:The Rockaway peninsula historically has been
challenged by transportation options. This is the
only region within the City of New York that requires
non-residents to pay a toll to visit neighborhoodswithin the same
borough. Ferry service makes it possible for visitors and Queens
residents alike, to enjoythe Peninsula without having to pay
$7.50.
Transportation:A major issue in the Borough of Queens continues
to be transportation. PresentlyManhattan has six active commuter
ferry terminals, Brooklyn has seven terminals and Staten Island
has
one, which is a 24-hour service that has been free to commuters
and fully subsidized since 1997. Theresidents and business owners
on the Peninsula continue to be engaged in the post-hurricane
rebuilding and
recovery process. Ferry transportation has played a major role
in this recovery, and losing this servicewould be devastating to
this community, which stills finds itself in a time of need. When
this service is
made permanent, and word is spread throughout the Peninsula,
ridership will increase exponentially.
Bus and train options are also limited to and from the Rockaway
Peninsula. There is no direct train service
to much of the Rockaways forcing many residents and visitors to
navigate multiple trains and a shuttle
service as part of their commute. In addition, the Rockaway
Peninsula only has two express buses that bringcommuters to
Manhattan. These express buses operate strictly on weekdays between
5:47am and 8:02am,
with Rockaway-bound express buses operating between 3:30pm and
7:00pm. Currently, the Rockawayferry has outbound service that runs
from 5:40am to 9:25am, with return service running from 4:00pm
until
8:45pm, offering commuters direct service that runs beyond
express train and bus service to the Peninsula.
Economic Development:An upwardly mobile economy is desperately
needed on the Rockaway Peninsula.
The assurance that there is predictable and reliable
transportation to the region offers incentive to thosecontemplating
an investment in this community. Permanent and reliable ferry
service will provide thatassurance.
8/12/2019 Ferry Letter Final
2/2
Conclusion:For these reasons, we are requesting that $8 million
in funding be dedicated for thecontinuation of ferry service to and
from the Rockaway Peninsula, seven days a week through the next
fiscal year. We ask that the City make the ferry service
permanent by baselining funds for the ferry servicein the
out-years. We will also work with Far Rockaway stakeholders to ease
the difficulties of getting to andfrom the ferry, which will
further increase ridership.
Though the storm of October 2012 called our attention to the
need for ferry transportation to the RockawayPeninsula, it is
important to recognize that the people of this community have been
engaged in the strugglefor this service for decades. The absence of
an alternate and more reliable source of transportation has
long
presented challenges to commuters and business owners. Current
circumstances now put us in a position toprovide this much-needed
transportation option, and we strongly encourage you to do what is
necessary tomake ferry service between Rockaway, Brooklyn and
Manhattan permanent.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Hon. Melinda KatzPresidentBorough of Queens
Hon. Eric AdamsPresidentBorough of Brooklyn
Hon. Gale BrewerPresidentBorough of Manhattan
Hon. Gregory Meeks Hon. Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. Hon. James
Sanders Jr.Member New York State Senate New York State SenateUnited
States Congress 15
thDistrict 10
th District
Hon. Diane J. Savino Hon. Philip Goldfeder Hon. Donovan
RichardsNew York State Senate New York State Assembly New York City
Council23rdDistrict 23rdDistrict 31stDistrict
Hon. Eric Ulrich Hon. Carlos MenchacaNew York City Council New
York City Council32ndDistrict 38thDistrict
