East River ferries called a success

More than 1 million passengers have taken ferries across the East River since the service was launched just over a year ago, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said Monday.

That's more than twice the initial projection of 409,000 riders, Bloomberg said as he and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn rode the ferry from North Williamsburg in Brooklyn to Pier 11 in lower Manhattan to mark the milestone.

They said the city will conduct a passenger survey about the ferry, online and via telephone to improve service further.

"Using our waterways as transportation corridors makes for a greener and more livable city and knits together rapidly growing neighborhoods in new ways," Bloomberg said. "Ferry service is only going to get better for the next million passengers, whether they are headed to work or going to visit our parks or cultural institutions."

The service was launched June 13, 2011, as a three-year pilot program. Boats sail from several Brooklyn and Queens locations to East 34th Street and Pier 11 in Manhattan. There also is weekend service to Governor's Island in the summer.

The one-way fare is $4, and an unlimited monthly pass costs $140.

"In just a little more than a year since its launch, the East River Ferry has consistently exceeded paid ridership predictions and provided residents and tourists alike with a fun, scenic alternative to getting around some of New York City's most vibrant neighborhoods," Quinn said. "I look forward to this ferry's continued success and to expanding ferry service across the five boroughs."