Plans for a new fast ferry service on from St. George to Midtown are in the works. As NY1's Thabie Sibanda explains, the new North Shore development played a part in making that a reality.
For many New Yorkers traveling back and forth from Staten Island to Midtown, their commute can be brutal. For some, it takes two hours to travel one way; but, some relief is in sight. Borough President James Oddo just announced an agreement with NY Waterway to bring fast ferry service to the island as early as spring 2018. Their goal: 25 Minutes or less from St. George to Midtown.
"To give them a choice to reduce their commute times, [which] is big," said Oddo.
Oddo says the plan is in conjunction with the NY Wheel and Empire Outlets. The new development on the North Shore will have excess parking that will allow for the new ferry service. The Outlets developer has agreed to build the dock and the New York Economic Development Corporation will oversee that project. Oddo says although this is not the answer to all the traffic or commuting woes of Staten Islanders, it is a good option.
"This does not negate the city's responsibility to provide subsidized fast ferry service to Staten Island. We want it on the South Shore. We want it on the North Shore. In the interim as I negotiate with the De Blasio administration, my job is to figure out how to get more options for Staten Islanders," said Oddo.
It is an option commuters are excited to have. The new service will run throughout the day. The price to ride has not been determined but part of the fee will include free bus shuttle service throughout Manhattan.