First-ever ferry service launches between Bronx and Manhattan
SOUNDVIEW, Bronx (WABC) -- Ferry service arrived in the Bronx for the first time on Wednesday. It's a game-changer for commuters traveling to and from Manhattan.
If you asked any of the dozens of people on board the new ferry Wednesday morning about their commute the day before, you heard tales of woe.
"The hot trains, sometimes the trains are not working," said Erika Greene.
"Day by day it just gets more frustrating," said Tamara South. "It's like, is there ever a non-crowded moment?"
But those commuter headaches seemed like a distant memory as the new ferry pulled away from Clason Point Park in Soundview.
Until now, it took two buses and a train to get to work from the East Bronx.
The new ferry will cut their commute time dramatically.
"If I'm not mistaken, it's going to be like 39 minutes," Marie told Eyewitness News. "Before, it was an hour and a half to an hour 45 minutes."
The ferry leaving Soundview can make it to East 90th Street in Manhattan in just 18 minutes.
From there it stops at East 34th Street and ends at Wall Street/Pier 11. The whole trip takes 46 minutes!
"When you look at the eastern corridor of the Bronx, it's a transportation desert," said Ruben Diaz. "We've been transportation-starved."
It's the "first time there is ferry service for the people of the Bronx since before World War 2," proclaimed New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio Wednesday morning after the first ferry left the dock.
The cost is just $2.75, with scenery that riders of all ages can appreciate!
"The view is beautiful," said T.J. South. "The sparkle in the water where the sun reflects... it's beautiful."
It's really about quality-of-life for these commuters.
And with a shorter commute and more free time, many told us the same thing about how they plan to spend their extra time: they're going shopping!
The new ferry will run every single day, with 21 trips from the Bronx to Manhattan scheduled for weekdays.
CLICK HERE for the full schedule.
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