With preparations underway for a citywide ferry service, the search for someone to run the service has started.

The city is putting out a request for proposals seeking an operator for the new service.

Mayor Bill de Blasio proposed the citywide ferry system during his State of the City address earlier this year.

The city plans to spend $55 million on the service, which is set to launch in 2017.

It will begin in South Brooklyn, Astoria, and the Rockaways, and the fare is expected to cost the same as a subway ride.