Staten Island Ferry Returns To 24/7, 30-Min Service Aug. 16

NEW YORK CITY — Staten Island's lifeline to the rest of New York City is recovering its pre-pandemic normal.

Starting Aug. 16, the Staten Island Ferry will return to a 24/7, 30-minute schedule, Mayor Bill de Blasio said.

De Blasio made the announcement Tuesday along with Staten Island Borough President Jimmy Oddo.

Oddo, with a few colorful asides assailing the city's transportation officials and praising de Blasio's commitment to full ferry service, said it serves essential workers and those who work outside a "9 to 5 schedule."

“Today’s a good day," Oddo said. "I think it’s another indication how the city is rebounding and recovering from all of it.”

24/7/365 half hour Staten Island Ferry service will return.

Local Law 88 of 2013 lives! https://t.co/YcMPqsNDht
— Jimmy Oddo (@HeyNowJO) June 22, 2021

The ferry, like the city's subways, went on a reduced schedule during the coronavirus pandemic. Its current weekday schedule spaces out departures between midnight and about 5 a.m.

Transportation Commissioner Hank Gutman said the ferry lost staff during the pandemic, which kept it from returning to a full schedule.

He said officials finally found additional workers and will be able to restore service.

"And I would just add while we're doing that, we're also bringing on the oldest class of boats," he said. "So not only are we restoring the service on Staten Island, but we're going to be introducing some new boats."