The Biggest-Ever Ferry Service Change Begins This December — See The New Map, Stops, & Faster Routes

Traveling via ferry rather than the subway pretty much seems like a no brainer to us–unless you like dirty subway air and mysterious liquids dripping on your head, in which case, that’s your prerogative. Though if you’re one of those unlucky New Yorkers who unfortunately don’t have an easily accessible ferry route, get ready for fresh air and stunning travel views because that’s about to change! The NYC Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) has unveiled a new NYC ferry map, which involves several new route changes. Among those is connecting Staten Island and Brooklyn, extending southern Brooklyn service to Manhattan, and expanding service to East Harlem. Route changes are as follows: * Combined Soundview and Rockaway routes, creating one uninterrupted ferry ride from Rockaway to Throggs Neck * Extended St. George route –which currently connects Manhattan’s West Side to Staten Island–to Brooklyn, now to end at Wall St. * Additional stop at East 34th Street on the southern Brooklyn route * Splitting of the East River into two different routes during peak travel times These route changes were first proposed this past summer and were up for public feedback. Over 15,000 responses were received with the vast majority supporting the proposal–71% of people said the changes would improve their access to desired locations. Since launching in 2017, NYC Ferry has made several small-scale changes to its network to improve operations–but none as big as this. The proposed 2025 NYC Ferry Network Optimization Plan builds off of the goals and success of the NYC Ferry Forward Plan. Overall, the new changes will: * Give riders more places to go by better connecting routes to Midtown and Lower Manhattan * Speed up riders’ commute by reducing the number of stops made on trips * Make more seats available on our busiest routes during peak hours, weekends, and other busy times * Operate more efficiently by combining routes and eliminating empty vessels In addition to the reroutes, NYCEDC will open two new ferry landings –one in East Harlem at 125th Street and another in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, near Pier 6–and expand the E. 34th St. landing in Midtown. The new ferry route will officially go into effect this fall on Monday, December 8th. Source: https://secretnyc.co/biggest-ever-ferry-service-change-december-2025/