City launches new ferry service to travel along East River

Straphangers sick of squeezing onto crowded subways and buses to cross the East River have a new way to get to work.

The city launched a ferry service Monday that will travel along the East River, making stops in Long Island City, Greenpoint, Williamsburg, Dumbo, the Financial District and midtown. Over the summer, the year-round, seven-day-a-week service will also go to Brooklyn Bridge Park and Governor’s Island.

Passengers looking to test the ferry service, which will be run by BillyBey Ferry Co. under the New York Waterway brand, will be able to do so for free through next Friday. After then, fares will start at $4 per one-way trip, with unlimited daily and monthly passes available (you can also bring your bike along for an extra $1). The ferries will come every 20 minutes during rush hours.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg said the ferries would be good for people who live near the river and for tourists looking to go to Brooklyn Bridge Park and Governor’s Island.

More information at www.nywaterway.com/ERF-Home.aspx