Why is there no fare on the Staten Island Ferry?

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.



The Staten Island Ferry became permanently free on July 4, 1997, primarily as a matter of political and economic equity for Staten Island residents. Unlike the other four boroughs, which are connected by multiple free bridges and tunnels (like the Brooklyn Bridge), Staten Islanders had no free way to travel to Manhattan by foot or car. The city determined that the ferry served as a "floating extension" of the highway system and that charging a fare was an unfair "tax" on the borough's commuters. Additionally, when the MTA introduced the free MetroCard transfer between buses and subways in 1997, Staten Islanders complained that they were still paying two fares (one for the ferry and one for the subway). To level the playing field, Mayor Rudy Giuliani eliminated the 50-cent fare. Today, the ferry is funded by the NYC Department of Transportation and serves as a vital, free lifeline for over 22 million passengers a year.

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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.

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It is also a bar. The ?snack bar? on the ferry sells some of the cheapest beer in New York: three and a half dollars for a giant can of admittedly lowbrow beer.

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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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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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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.

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Silly question, but is there a toilet on board... - Staten Island Ferry. Helpful? Yes there is.

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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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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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It's worth the visit but you have to be fit to climb up those 315 steps, in a tiny staircase at the end. Just be aware of the security: they do not allow you to take anything with you except your tickets and your camera, if you go to the crown.

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And the Statue of Liberty stands as an enduring symbol of freedom and hope for all who have gazed upon her since she debuted in 1886. Without a doubt, they are two of the most important sights in the city, helping make New York one of the best places in the world to see and explore.

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If you're getting on from the Manhattan side, go to the right (starboard) side of the boat for the best view of the Statue of Liberty. From the Staten Island side, go to the left (port). The ride is 25 minutes each way with boats departing every 30 minutes on either side on weekends.

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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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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.

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