As NYC Ferry Fares Rise, Commuters Weigh Costs Against Comfort and Convenience

New price increases of more than 12.5% went into effect for the NYC Ferry on Monday, an added strain for the nearly 20,000 riders who use the service for their daily commutes. One-way tickets are now priced at $4.50, while 10-Trip passes went up by $1.50.

“I do think it’s quite unfair. It should be very consistent with the subway,” said Bronx resident April Fowler, who rides the ferry every day to her job as an assistant director at NYC Health + Hospitals in Manhattan.

With 25 ports servicing all five boroughs, the ferry serves passengers from as far north as Throgs Neck in the Bronx to as far south as Rockaway in Queens.

60% of ferry riders are rush hour commuters who use the service at least three days per week, and more than half cite the better riding experience as a reason why. “It’s about as convenient as the subway, but it’s far more enjoyable,” said Katie Conti, a Battery Park resident who rides the ferry to visit clients in different parts of the city.

The NYC Ferry has an estimated annual budget of over $100 million that includes funds from the Economic Development Corporation to help with its operating costs and to keep fares low. 

“The city has basically been putting in money to operate the ferry business,” said Alexander Heil, Economist and Adjunct Professor of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University.  “I think they are really looking at this from the point of view of financial sustainability.” Still, fares do not cover the full cost of every ride. Without subsidies, a ferry trip would be almost twice the price of a new, higher daily ticket.

But many commuters don’t seem bothered by the price hike. “I think it’s still quite affordable, if you’re a regular commuter and you buy the ten pack. It’s the price of a subway ride,” said Adolfo Carrión, NYC Housing and Preservation Development Commissioner and Bronx resident, on a recent morning commute from Throgs Neck to Wall Street.

Rahsul Cooper of Staten Island agreed. Though he feels the city neglects its residents when raising prices, he still prefers the ferry over other transit options. “It’s peaceful, it’s great, it’s fast, and I don’t have to deal with the subway.”