Astoria residents are getting closer to being able to say "ahoy" to city-wide ferry service.

A team from the city's Economic Development Corporation inspected construction of the new ferry landing at Hallet's Cove Tuesday. Crews started work in mid-February and have already installed the gangway bridge to the ferries and parts of the landing.

Ferry service is expected to launch this summer.

Astoria residents we spoke with say the ferries are a long time coming.

“It's upwards to a mile from this area getting to the subway,” said Richard Khuzami, President of the Old Astoria Neighborhood Association. “So any kind of alternative was badly needed.”

“I can't really express how desolate around the peninsula has been for a lot of years with the lack of the bare necessities,” added Claudia Coger, President of the Astoria Houses Resident Association. “I see this as a positive move.”

Ticket machines, electrical wiring, and a canopy still need to be installed.

To learn more, go to to citywideferry.nyc.