This morning, after years of advocacy and planning with the neighborhood and community leaders, the NYC Ferry’s Astoria route began running.

The ferry is set to expand public transit options for most Western Astoria residents. It will also help in revitalizing the Hallets Peninsula in a more sustainable way, according to a post from Councilman Constantinides who was there for the special occasion.

The expansion of the ferry services was announced initially by Mayor Bill de Blasio in 2015. The hope was to open up Manhattan to the rest of the boroughs.

Councilman Costa Constantinides went on Facebook to promote the new route which has already started to generate positive feedback. “I made it to work in much less time than on the subway. This will be my new commute,” Kathleen Warnock commented on the post.

 

 

So what’s the NYC Ferry Astoria Route Like?

Tickets cost the same price as a one-way MetroCard. For a trip from Astoria to Wall Street commuters can expect to travel around 40 minutes. According to QNS, Constantinides said the launch of the service was “exhilarating”. The Councilman was one of many who took the ferry at 6:30AM.

The Astoria route of NYC Ferry by Hornblower will not only connect the communities of Western Queens and Roosevelt Island, but also help them grow. This is something the community has wanted for 80 years, according to Constantinides. The Councilman also hopes that the ferry will bring new life to the Hallets Cove Peninsula, who have the longest commute to the city in Western Astoria.

The ferry stop in Astoria is near the corner of Vernon Blvd. & Astoria Blvd. More information on routes, schedules, and tickets here: https://www.ferry.nyc/routes-and-schedules/route/astoria/.