Attention Staten Island ferry riders — you can now board again on the lower-level, a change made due to record ridership numbers. NY1's Lindsay Tuchman was there as the first passengers used the new option.

For morning commuters in St. George, boarding the Staten Island Ferry is a daily ritual that now has a new twist.

Lower level boarding began Monday, much to the delight of many riders.

"I normally ride the bottom portion because it's less people on the bottom so when I heard this morning they opened the lower level I was super excited," said Veronica Vincent from Tompkinsville. "I was like yes! Now I can just go on the bottom because normally up top it takes a while to get in."

Since 9/11, only cyclists and those with disabilities could board from the first level.

City and borough officials have been working for the past few years to change that, and it was officially approved by the U.S. Coast Guard last month.  

Lower-level boarding is available at the St. George terminal weekdays only from 6:40 to 9 a.m.

And at the Whitehall terminal every day from noon to 8 p.m.

"Especially when you're running late and you maybe have two minutes left to catch the ferry, instead of going upstairs and around it's just easier," said Edwina McCrinnon of West Brighton.

"Cause it'll definitely save time, and stay away from all of the tourists," said Lindsay Parlatore of Silverlake.

Fifty-five people used the lower level boarding for the first ride out of St. George at 7a.m. but officials anticipate that number to grow as more people learn about the option.

"Staten Islanders tend to like to take the lower level as opposed to the upper level," said department of transportation Staten Island Commissioner Tom Cocola. "They leave that to the tourists so once everyone is aware of this direct route, I think you'll see bigger crowds in the next few weeks."

With more than 65,000 passengers per day, the option comes as Staten Island prepares for far more visitors with the construction of the NY Wheel, Empire Outlets and more.

"I think because of the new developments on the North Shore I think it'll definitely ease the traffic flow for pedestrians, especially during rush hour, so I think it's a good thing," said Felix Chen of Sunnyside.

DOT officials say the boarding configuration could change as they figure out the most efficient ways to conduct it, but they say overall, it should lead to smoother sailing for riders.