New York, NY— New York Water Taxi announced this afternoon a new year-round “point-to-point” ferry option to supplement its existing all-day pass.  The new pricing structure will allow riders to take short trips on New York Water Taxi between Midtown, DUMBO, Lower Manhattan and Red Hook.  It will encourage visitors and New Yorkers alike to explore Red Hook by water and foot, while dramatically improving year-round transportation options for neighborhood residents.

"We are excited to take the next step to reconnect our city's residents and visitors to our waterways," said Brian McCabe, Chief Operating Officer of New York Water Taxi and Circle Line Downtown. "We hope this new point-to-point ferry option will provide a welcome transportation option throughout the city, and will be especially impactful for residents and visitors to Red Hook— helping the neighborhood to revitalize and to flourish through the holiday season and beyond."

The expanded service builds on the continued success of the IKEA ferry and the conclusion of the second 'Destination Red Hook' summer ferry season, which saw increased ridership between lower Manhattan and Red Hook from its inaugural year.  The program's success allowed New York Water Taxi to expand the connection to Midtown, and account for a broader swath of commuters and visitors.    

Riders will be able to go between Lower Manhattan and Red Hook for $5.00 or you can take a ride from Red Hook to Midtown (West 39th Street) for $9.00; this expanded service will not only encourage New Yorkers to take advantage of year-round commuting and recreation by water, but will also increase far- East side to far-West side commuter access between the East River and the Hudson by instituting an infrastructure made up of hubs, segments and transfers with greater reach into multiple boroughs and connection with other transportation systems.

 Local leaders praised the plan.

“We thank New York Water Taxi for bringing year-round ferry  service that is a welcome new transportation option for the Red Hook community,” said Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, from New York's 7th Congressional District. 

"Ferries are a convenient and environmental way of providing residents with poor transportation access the mobility they need in navigating our City," said Congressman Jerrold Nadler, from New York's 10th Congressional District. “ That is why I have been a longtime supporter of making them a key part of our City's transportation network, and why I am so pleased with New York Water Taxi's announcement of expanded ferry service in Red Hook.”

"This is another sign that ferries have become an integral part of our transportation system, providing a transportation lifeline in communities from Manhattan to Brooklyn to Queens,” said State Senator Daniel Squadron, of the 26th Senate District. “I thank Councilmember Menchaca, New York Water Taxi, Ikea, and residents for working together to provide year-round ferry service between Van Brunt Street Dock and Lower Manhattan, bringing these two neighborhoods even closer together."

"Ferry service is essential for travel to Red Hook. I am pleased and excited that New York Water Taxi is bringing year-round service to our 'destination' community,” said Felix Ortiz, Assembly Member from the 51st Assembly District. "I urge businesses, residents, tourists and shoppers to take advantage of this great travel option."

“The leadership of the NY Water Taxi is a model for business engagement with local communities," said Councilman Carlos Menchaca, City Council District 38. "Red Hook is needing of creative transportation alternatives, and this opportunity represents one form at a pivotal time in the reconstruction of the local economy of Red Hook in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Red Hook has so much to offer the rest of our City and now, it is more connected than ever."

"Flexible transportation such as the New York Water Taxi that connects Lower Manhattan to other boroughs and places such as Red Hook with a short, pretty ride is a critical part of today's transportation infrastructure. This is a win-win-win for workers, residents and visitors. If you are lucky, you may even catch a sunrise or sunset over the skyline." said Catherine McVay Hughes, Chairperson of Manhattan Community Board 1. 

"Catch the wave – affordable, frequent ferry service on the “blue highways” is bringing transit equity to Red Hook!" said Roland Lewis, President & Chief Executive Officer of the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance. "While residents of that community have long suffered arduous commutes, New York Water Taxi's more frequent service to and from lower Manhattan – a trip of just ten minutes – will provide better access to jobs and economic development opportunities for a growing neighborhood. As demand for new housing soars across the city, ferry service will be a critical component for serving the transportation needs of historically transit-poor waterfront neighborhoods. The Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance salutes New York Water Taxi and calls on our elected leaders and government officials to continue to look for new opportunities to expand transportation choice for our region's most underserved districts."

ReStore Red Hook is thrilled to see year round ferry service become available in Red Hook. Red Hook is a community that has been long underserved and transportation-challenged. Access to efficient transportation in and out of Red Hook is a breakthrough, and has the opportunity to profoundly affect our community across the board. Viable transportation can open up huge new opportunities for employment for our young people by making commutes far more timely and reliable. It opens up access to consumers who would enjoy patronizing our local businesses, and helping our economy rebound, as we all still struggle with Sandy debt," said Chef Monica Byrne, Partner of the Red Hook based home/made restaurant and Roquette Catering, and one of the Founders of Restore Red Hook. "We are thrilled to be connected to the city in a more meaningful, and environmentally sound manner, and are grateful to New York Water Taxi for recognizing, and answering this need. We are honored to be partners in supporting this effort."

OTHER RED HOOK COMMUNITY ORGS

"We've been excited to play a role in the expansion of ferry service to Red Hook over the past two years," said Frederick Rabe, Store Manager of IKEA Brooklyn.  "with this extension, access to and from our neighborhood is growing and positively impacting Red Hook like never before!" 

"As a living lab for better urban waterways, PortSide NewYork celebrates expanded ferry service for Red Hook as good policy for the city and great for everyone who lives, works, plays and shops in Red Hook," said PortSide New York Director Carolina Salguero.  "Expanded ferry service fulfills our contributions to Red Hook's NY Rising plan, and aligns with PortSide's model for combining the working waterfront, public access, community development and economic opportunities."

"This is a very good idea for a quick commute to the city!" said sister Rosanna of Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary R.C Church of Red Hook.

For ride schedules and tickets, please visit www.nywatertaxi.com.  

About New York Water Taxi: 

New York Water Taxi (NYWT), an affiliate company of The Durst Organization, Inc, has been a New York fixture since 2002.  NYWT is known for its iconic black and yellow-checkered vessels and as a connector of the waterfront through the five boroughs and New Jersey providing service to IKEA Brooklyn, large scale events on Randall's Island and many other transportation services.  NYWT maintains a community-conscious fleet that honors our cherished waterways.  For more information, please visit www.nywatertaxi.com.  

Enjoy The Ride!