Mayor Bill DeBlasio wants to expand citywide ferry service by 2017, including service to the Rockaways. As NY1's Shannan Ferry explains, a shuttle bus route to get to the boat is now expanded.
Ferry service is set to sail off at a dock on Beach 108th Street and Beach Channel Drive starting next summer.
City officials just announced a free shuttle bus to get to the terminal, with stops from Beach 35th Street to Beach 169th Street.
"So these buses will collect people that don't have a car, and it's going to make the ferry boat all that more successful," said Marty Ingram, Transportation Committee Co-Chair, Community Board 14.
The city's original plan for the shuttle bus only went as far as Beach 65th Street, but it faced criticism for leaving out more eastern parts of the peninsula.
City Councilman Donovan Richards said the expanded route gives access to more residents living in affordable housing.
"This is so important because how do you address inequality? You do it through education through making sure transportation is available," said Richards.
The shuttle is expected to take about 25 minutes to travel from the ferry to the farthest stops in both directions.
"I mean you can get to Rockaway now in under an hour," said Danny Ruscillo, Transportation Committee Co-Chair, Community Board 14.
Plus, city officials said they want it to be affordable.
Along with the shuttle being free, one ferry ride will cost the same amount as a swipe of your MetroCard.
"We're taking a very strong step forward in making sure that the Rockaway route is as accessible as possible, and we will continue to do so as we build this system," said Maria Torres-Springer, President/CEO, NYC Economic Development Corporation.
Officials plan to include six stops total in each route.
They are all expected to be at existing bus stops.