Port Imperial Ferry Corporation — Local services in Weehawken

Opportunitistic profit focus in dire times!!

I live a reasonable walking distance uphill from the terminal and work in midtown. I am part of a very small core in the large company where I work who NEVER stopped working.

I wanted to use the ferry during the Covid epidemic because it’s much safer than the bus due to the massive space and outdoor seating option but it closed when less people were using it. I thought that perhaps they closed because it was not profitable and not just as a public safety measure. You see; the buses are incredibly more risky than the large, open ferry.

I was happy to see service resume on 6/29 only to discover that they canceled monthly subscription services which makes the service extremely expensive for daily commuters. Especially for someone who works weekends as well and has to find other means also.

This is decision seems focused on profit opportunism at at time of great uncertainty and crisis. I am extremely disappointed.

Unfortunately, I feel compelled to continue using the ferry because it’s safer than buses. It will cost me significantly more than it should. I am happy to have a job while massive layouts and closures are taking place. This is disgraceful and...

There is one good thing about this ferry - it's fast. Having said that, the rest is, sadly, poor.

The boats are in poor shape:: they are constantly breaking down, which means that some scheduled trips simply don't happen. Or your trip becomes much longer, because extra stops are required to cover some other routes broken boat.

I commute regularly using this ferry, but this summer 60-70%of the trips did not have air conditioning. Crew response always the same: it just broke.

Some of the newer boats are also very load. I loaded a sound meter on my phone, and measure 80 decibles. That can cause pain, and forget conversation.

Communication to to customers is practically non existant. A boat is late? Not coming? Making extra stops? No announcement. If customers complain, a notice might be put up on the phone app after the fact. But don't expect advance warning.

And them there is cost - VERY high. $26 round trip per person is a lot. A family of four, over $100 just to get to the city.

It feels like someone is saving money in all the wrong ways: poor maintenance work out equipment.

How.long until this causes a...

Civilized commute indeed. Easy, fast convenient access to Manhattan only 8 minutes to cross. Plenty of available parking across the street from for those who want to drive to the ferry. Otherwise there is a complementary bus service along Blvd East or via River road which covers weehawken up to Edgewater. You also have NJ Transit bus service to the ferry. The waiting area is very comfortable with snacks and drinks. Customer service is very responsive and attentive to your concerns. I wish they had a bus shuttle from the west part of WNY, maybe something that runs across town via 60th Street...