Why is the Staten Island Ferry 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.



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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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The Ferry ride is free. All passengers are required to comply with applicable U.S. Coast Guard Security Regulations regardless of which level they board from. The Staten Island Ferry does not carry cars.

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The Ferry operates between the St. George Terminal on Staten Island and the Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan. The trip is about 25 minutes. The Ferry ride is free.

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In 1817, the first mechanical-powered ferry ran between Staten Island and Manhattan -- the Nautilus, commanded by Captain John De Forest. In 1817, the cost to ride was 25 cents for an adult and 12 cents for children. In 1897, the fare was reduced to 5 cents, before being raised to 10 cents in 1972 and 25 cents in 1975.

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NYC DOT operates the Staten Island Ferry, providing free service between Staten Island and Lower Manhattan every day of the week, year-round.

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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.

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To get on the boat you'll first need to find your way to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal. The official name is the Whitehall Terminal and it is located in the financial district of Lower Manhattan. The closest metro station is the Whitehall St stops right next to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal.

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If you don't mind seeing the Statue of Liberty from a distance, Free Tours by Foot explains that hopping aboard the Staten Island Ferry is the best way to see her. Not only is the ride on the commuter ferry free of charge, but it's also a way to get some iconic views of Lady Liberty.

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As of August 20, 2023, fares increased to the following amounts: Subways, local buses, and Staten Island Railway: $2.90 (Reduced Fare: $1.45) Single ride (only sold at subway vending machines): $3.25. Unlimited 7-day MetroCard: $34 (Reduced Fare: $17)

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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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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.

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

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The Staten Island Ferry boasts a 24-hour schedule. That's right: it never stops. It takes trips every half hour on the half hour, and every 20 minutes during rush hour. Each ferry has a capacity of around 5,000 people, and daily ridership frequently tops 70,000 passengers a day.

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The Ferry runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In 2022, the Staten Island Ferry's annual on-time performance was 94%. On a typical weekday, five boats make 117 trips, carrying approximately 35,000 passengers. During rush hours, the ferry runs on a four-boat schedule, with 15 minutes between departures.

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The best of Staten Island taxi services with Uber You can request a ride when you need to travel near or far in Staten Island. You'll also enjoy 24/7 requesting, helpful in-app safety features, and upfront pricing to budget ahead for your trip. Try this day-or-night ride option to head to your destination.

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Billionaires' Row is the name given to a group of ultra-luxury residential skyscrapers and the area surrounding them around the southern end of Central Park in Manhattan, New York City.

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