Staten Island Ferry Outlets Cut After Phone Charging Scuffles Between Passengers

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork)-- There's a fight on the Staten Island Ferry over the right to plug in and power up. Scuffles over access to power outlets have caused the Department of Transportation to pull the plug and some ferry riders have mixed feelings.

The 25-minute ferry ride features incredible views of the New York Harbor, but most regular riders aren't looking at Lady Liberty. Their eyes are on their smartphones and the battery meter, CBS2's Tony Aiello reported.

"My phone is actually on 6 percent.... I would love to charge it right now," Flatbush, Brooklyn resident Kayla Edwards said.

There are electrical outlets, but the Department of Transportation cut them off as a public safety measure. Passengers who were desperate enough to power up sometimes fought over who should access the outlet.

"'Oh, my phone's at 10 percent, yours is at 50 - you should give it up for me,' like, they scream that," Staten Island resident Michael Magliocca said.

Not long ago, there was a first fight between passengers and a ferry worker was injured after trying to intervene.

Some passengers said during rush hour there was even a risk of being run over as other passengers ran to get seats near the outlet.

The decision to turn off the juice runs counter to the prevailing trend. City buses are being equipped with USB chargers and the next generation of subway cars will have them too.

Passengers want their power source back and the DOT may have heard the plea. A source told CBS2 charging stations will be installed at the ferry terminals this fall and then on the boats themselves.