Is NYC Ferry privately owned?

NYC Ferry is a public network of ferry routes in New York City operated by Hornblower Cruises. As of August 2023, there are six routes, as well as one seasonal route, connecting 25 ferry piers across all five boroughs.



The NYC Ferry system is a public-private partnership; it is owned by the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) but operated by a private company. As of early 2026, the operator is Hornblower Group, which was recently acquired by a private equity firm following a strategic restructuring. Although the day-to-day management, staffing, and vessel maintenance are handled by the private entity, the city’s quasi-public agency oversees the routes, fare structures, and overall system vision. This model allows the city to subsidize fares and maintain public control over transit policy while leveraging the operational expertise of a private maritime firm. In 2026, the system continues to expand with new optimized routes and seasonal service to waterfront neighborhoods across all five boroughs.

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Davidson, Jost and comedy club owner Paul Italia purchased the ship for $280,100 through an online public auction just over a year and a half ago.

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Eliminating the ferry fare was seen as an action to standardize Staten Islanders' MetroCard fares with those of commuters in other boroughs. Despite the fact that the ferry fare had netted $6 million in annual revenue for the city, its abolition only cost the city about $1 million.

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NYC Ferry Operated by Hornblower provides New Yorkers a dependable way to commute and connect in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island along the East River and Hudson River.

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Once arriving in St. George terminal, the ferry docks and all passengers have to exit the ferry. So you can't stay on it. If you want to take a full round-trip, walk through the terminal to the departure gates on the Staten Island side, and you can board the next ferry back to Manhattan.

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As of Sep 27, 2023, the average hourly pay for a Ferry Boat Captain in Staten Island is $25.94 an hour.

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The color choice helped allow the boats to be easily seen in fog and snow, increasing the overall safety of the crew and passengers. Vanderbilt Family Money Started the Fleet: In 1810, 16-year-old Cornelius Vanderbilt received $100 for his birthday.

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Staten Island is most well-known for its green park spaces, museums and historical buildings. It is often considered the “borough of parks” because of its numerous natural spaces. Notable parks include Clove Lakes, High Rock Park, Greenbelt and Lemon Creek Park.

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Staten Island was consolidated with New York City in 1898. It was formerly known as the Borough of Richmond until 1975, when its name was changed to Borough of Staten Island. Staten Island has sometimes been called the forgotten borough by inhabitants who feel neglected by the city government.

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That is because there is ''no speedometer at all, nothing that indicates speed on the vessels,'' a ferry captain testified last year. He estimated that the cruising speed was about 20 miles per hour -- but he could not be sure.

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