NYC Ferry Gets Strong Approval Rating Despite Delays, Crowding

NEW YORK CITY, NY – Despite reports of delays and overcrowding, the city says riders overwhelmingly approve of its new ferry service, according to internal survey results released Friday.

The poll of 1,300 NYC Ferry riders, conducted by the New York City Economic Development Corp., found 93 percent of respondents approving and 66 percent giving the highest possible score on a scale of one to 10.

The city’s ferry system, known as NYC Ferry, took to the water on May 1 with two separate routes connecting the Rockaways and South Brooklyn to Downtown Manhattan.

But since then, riders have complained of long lines due to overcrowding and delayed boats. In once instance, an oil spill in the East River forced ferries to reduce their speeds, snarling commutes.

Still, NYCEDC sounded a positive note in announcing the survey results.

"We’re excited that after less than four months, the vast majority of riders have had a positive experience with NYC Ferry," NYCEDC President and CEO James Patchett said in a statement. "We’re also seeing the service meeting our goal of supporting commuters around the five boroughs. With Astoria service launching next week, we can’t wait to bring NYC Ferry to even more neighborhoods."

A route connecting Astoria and Wall Street is scheduled to launch on Aug. 29. New ferry lines are planned for the Lower East Side and the Bronx next year.

NYC Ferry marked its millionth ride earlier this summer.

Lead image courtesy Mayor Bill de Blasio's office.