Governors Island Is Getting A New Ferry Boat

GOVERNORS ISLAND, NY — Governors Island will get an additional ferry boat to increase services to every 20 minutes on the weekends, the Trust for Governors Island said Thursday.

The new ferry, dubbed "Governors 1," will be able to carry 400 passengers per trip between Lower Manhattan and Governors Island beginning Saturday, June 15.

"Governors Island is the jewel of New York Harbor, and more people than ever want to enjoy it," Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a statement. "This new ferry will help them get there."

The ferry will be able to travel from Lower Manhattan to Governors Island in about five minutes, the Trust said.

"With the arrival of our new ferry, it has never been easier to experience all that Governors Island has to offer, from extraordinary, car-free open space to a diverse lineup of free arts, cultural and educational programing," said Clare Newman, the incoming president of the Trust.

Newman was named the new president of the Trust last month and is expected to take over efforts rezone parts of Governors Island that kicked-off last year.

Governors Island has undergone $400 million in investment since 2010, according to the Trust.

"The addition of a new passenger ferry will mean hundreds of more New Yorkers will be able to enjoy the valuable array of cultural and educational programming, outdoor events and recreation activities that can be found at Governors Island," said Councilwoman Margaret Chin, who represents Lower Manhattan and Governors Island.

The new vessel will run on Saturdays and Sundays during the summer season. The Island is open May 1 through October 31.

The public can take the ferry from Lower Manhattan's Battery Maritime Building, at 10 South St., to Governors Island.

From Brooklyn, service runs from Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park on Saturdays and Sundays.

A ferry trip is $3 round-trip for adults and children older than 12-years-old and $1 for seniors.