Why did Staten Island Ferry become free?

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.



People Also Ask

The Staten Island Ferry provides service every day, year-round. It is free to ride the ferry. Travel time in either direction between St. George and Whitehall is approximately 25 minutes.

MORE DETAILS

To put cars on the ferry would require a major security checkpoint, DeSimone said. It's not as simple as just driving down here, there's a whole bevy of regulations the Coast Guard would require. Vehicles haven't been allowed on the Staten Island Ferry since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

MORE DETAILS

The Ferry carries over 12 million passengers annually on a 5.2-mile run between the St. George Terminal in Staten Island and the Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan. The Ferry runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In 2022, the Staten Island Ferry's annual on-time performance was 94%.

MORE DETAILS

While Staten Island was rich in natural resources, it may have been an effort to control the access to New York's harbor.

MORE DETAILS

Davidson and Jost, who both were born and raised on Staten Island, purchased the decommissioned ferry for $280,000 last year with plans to turn it into a comedy and entertainment venue.

MORE DETAILS

We ask that you finish your beverage prior to leaving. Alcoholic beverages can only be sold (1) per I.D. at a time with a limit of (2) drinks per passenger. No outside food or beverages shall be consumed on board NYC Ferry vessels at any time.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

It's FREE and you can either get off and spend some time on Staten Island, or simply disembark, walk around and get back on the ferry returning to Manhattan. It is about an hour round-trip.

MORE DETAILS

These passes do not apply at the Statue of Liberty National Monument, which does not charge an entrance fee. The cost of the ferry ticket is not an entrance fee but a transportation fee. There is no additional charge to visit the museum on Liberty Island and Ellis Island.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

White boats were a trend in the early 1900s. However, in 1926 the city opted to change the color in favor of the burnt-orange alternative. The color choice helped allow the boats to be easily seen in fog and snow, increasing the overall safety of the crew and passengers.

MORE DETAILS

Staten Island Ferry Since the service is completely free, this is a great option for viewing the Statue of Liberty up close. The ferry route brings you directly across New York Harbor and right by the statue and Ellis Island. Pros: Of all the free options, the ferry has the best and closest view of the statue.

MORE DETAILS

Pete Davidson is seemingly having second thoughts on a big purchase he made with his former Saturday Night Live co-star Colin Jost. The duo bought a decommissioned Staten Island ferry boat back in 2022 and since then have not found a use for it.

MORE DETAILS

Due to the smaller size of the boat, the trip was a bit less smooth than what riders of the Staten Island Ferry have come to expect, with choppy water resulting in a bumpy ride at one point.

MORE DETAILS