A record number of people have used NYC Ferry so far this year, according to Hornblower, the firm that operates the ferry network for the city.
More than 1.08 million people took the ferry between Jan. 1 and March 31, up from 1.01 million during the same period last year, a roughly 7% increase, according to Hornblower. Half as many people — about 541,000 — took the ferry during the first quarter of 2018, the system’s first full year in operation.
The NYC Ferry system saw a total of 6.8 million riders last year, up from 6.1 million passengers in 2022.
Officials said they expected the growth to continue.
“The record-breaking ridership figures underscore the continued demand for accessible, reliable, and efficient transportation options in New York City,” Tim O’Brien, Hornblower’s senior vice president for ferries, said in a statement.
Four of the system’s six regular routes — the East River, Astoria, Soundview, and St. George routes — saw a boost in first-quarter ridership over 2023, with the East River route seeing the biggest growth.
The ridership update comes as the system resumes service to Governors Island, which was halted while repairs were made to the Island’s Yankee Pier dock.
Hornblower’s contract with the city’s Economic Development Corporation to operate the NYC Ferry fleet was renewed last year.
The San Francisco-based firm, which also runs ferry service to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, has managed the ferry network since 2016.
Hornblower beat out competitor New York Waterways and two smaller companies — Prop NYC and U.S. Waterways — in August, securing a five-year contract worth up to $405 million.
The NYC Ferry fleet is owned by EDC, which then contracts the operation, maintenance and staffing of the system to a private firm.
EDC officials expect some $160 million in revenue from the ferry system over the next five years, including $125 million in farebox revenue and $35 million from sale of the naming rights, advertising, and other non-fare income.
