Bloomberg, Quinn Mark 1 Million East River Ferry Riders
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Mayor Michael Bloomberg says 1 million passengers have ridden ferries across the East River since the service started just over one year ago.
That's more than double in initial projection of 409,000 riders.
Bloomberg and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn rode the ferry from Brooklyn to lower Manhattan on Monday to mark the milestone.
"Using our waterways as transportation corridors makes for a greener and more livable city and knits together rapidly growing neighborhoods in new ways," Bloomberg said in a statement. "Ferry service is only going to get better for the next million passengers, whether they are headed to work or going to visit our parks or cultural institutions."
"In just a little more than a year since its launch, the East River Ferry has consistently exceeded paid ridership predictions and provided residents and tourists alike with a fun, scenic alternative to getting around some of New York City's most vibrant neighborhoods," said Quinn.
They said the city will conduct a passenger survey on board the ferry, online and via telephone in order to improve service further.
The service was launched June 13, 2011 as a three-year pilot program. Boats sail from several Brooklyn and Queens locations to East 34th Street and Pier 11 in Manhattan. The one-way fare is $4.
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