NYC Ferry’s expansion continued with the launch of company's latest route - the long-promised link between Soundview (South Bronx) and several stops in Manhattan.
The inaugural ferry ride started at about 6:30 am. NYC's Mayor Bill de Blasio and Bronx Borough's President Ruben Diaz Jr were among the participating officials.
The brand new stop is situated in Clason Point Park, which is at the end of Sound View Avenue, and is expected to provide Bronx residents with convenient access to parts of Manhattan waterfront. It takes 45 min from start to finish, and stops at 90th Street on Upper East Side, East 34th Street in Midtown, Pier 11 at Wall Street.
The connection to other transit options within Bronx, however, is limited; buses take riders to other parts of the borough. However, the nearest subway station (Morrison Avenue-Sound View) is 2 miles away. To help make those links easier, MTA and NYC’s Economic Development Corp. (which has overseen the launch and expansion of the ferry) have expanded Bx27 service nearby to coordinate better with ferries' schedule.
The number of NYC Ferry routes has been brought up to 5, with a 6th - Lower East Side - setting sail in a couple of weeks.