A Recovery for All of Us: Mayor de Blasio Announces Staten Island Ferry Service Fully Restored on Monday

August 13, 2021

NEW YORK—Mayor Bill de Blasio, Department of Transportation Commissioner Hank Gutman, and Borough President James Oddo announced today that the full restoration of round-the-clock 30-minute Staten Island Ferry service is to take effect as scheduled on Monday, August 16, 2021. In 2019, the free Staten Island Ferry moved 70,000 passengers on weekdays and 22 million people a year. 

“The Staten Island Ferry knits this city together, and the return of 24/7 half-hour service is a sure sign that a recovery for all of us is underway,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “No matter when you go to work, visit family and friends, or enjoy a night out in the greatest city in the world, you deserve fast, frequent, and reliable ferry service. That’s what we’re proud to deliver today.”

“Staten Islanders depend on the ferry for free and reliable service to Manhattan, and the return of full overnight service will make these two boroughs accessible for every New Yorker who calls them home,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Laura Anglin. “I’m grateful to every elected official, advocate, and City worker who made this restoration possible, and I look forward to full service starting on Monday.”

“I am pleased that full overnight service will return to the Staten Island Ferry on Monday, all thanks to the Mayor’s and Borough President’s commitment to getting us back to normal," said DOT Commissioner Hank Gutman. “Staten Islanders and their elected officials have made it very clear how frequent service is critical to their quality of life -- and we are once again happy to oblige in bringing back service every half hour on one of New York City’s great commutes.” 

“Local Law 88 of 2013 lives! Years ago when in the City Council I fought hard to get this legislation enacted to compel increased Staten Island Ferry service. To his credit, early in his tenure Mayor de Blasio knew providing this level of service was the right thing and he fully funded it," said Staten Island Borough President James Oddo. "Staten Island lived up to its responsibility during the economic difficulties brought upon by Covid and we accepted the reduction in service. But as the Mayor has made clear, we are in a 'Recovery for all' and that means helping all those essential workers and Staten Islanders who work outside of the typical 9-5 schedule. Local Law 88 of 2013 and 24/7/365 half hour service lives!"

The new service schedule’s additional trips will all originate from both St. George Ferry Terminal and Whitehall Ferry Terminals, starting with the first restored trip at 11:30 p.m. from St. George on August 15. The remaining 13 restored trips will depart St. George at 12:30 a.m., 1:30 a.m., 2:30 a.m., 3:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. on weekdays and then 11:30 p.m., 12:30 a.m., 1:30 a.m., 2:30 a.m., 3:30 a.m., 4:30 a.m., 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. on weekends. Each of these trips has a return run, one half hour later, out of Whitehall Terminal for a total of 28 runs.

DOT has hired and trained new personnel required for these additional trips since the restoration was announced in June.

On Staten Island, riders can get to the St. George Terminal using the following MTA/NYCT bus lines: S40 Howland Hook; S42 Clyde Place; S44 Staten Island Mall; S46 West Shore Plaza; S48 Mariners Harbor; S51 Grant City; S52 S.I. Univ. Hospital; S61 Staten Island Mall; S62 Travis; S66 Port Richmond; S74 Tottenville; S76 Oakwood Beach; S78 Tottenville; S81 Grant City (Limited); S84 Tottenville (Limited); S86 Oakwood Beach (Limited); S90 Howland Hook (Limited); S91 Staten Island Mall (Limited); S92 Travis (Limited); S94 Staten Island Mall (Limited); S96 Mariners Harbor (Limited); and S98 Mariners Harbor (Limited).

In Manhattan, riders can get to the Whitehall Terminal using the M5, M15, M15SBS, M20 bus service lines, and the R train to Whitehall Street Station, the 1 train to South Ferry Station, the 4 and 5 train to Bowling Green Station, and the J and Z train to Broad Street Station.

Cars, motorcycles and trucks are no longer allowed on the ferries. Travel time between Whitehall and Saint George terminals and vice versa is approximately 25 minutes. For more information visit nyc.gov/siferry, and for updates, please check nyc.gov/dot or contact 311.

“I’m thrilled that we can get back some normalcy in our commuting life. Many Staten Islanders are some of our most dedicated public servants, and with that comes untraditional hours. I hope this brings them a great sense of relief,” said Senator Diane Savino.

“Countless Staten Islanders rely on the Staten Island ferry for transportation. Direct 24 hour access to Manhattan is especially important for our essential workers who work all hours of the day to keep our city safe,” said Assembly Member Michael Cusick.

“I want to thank the Mayor and Borough President for their leadership and commitment to making it possible that Staten Islanders once again have around the clock access to the Staten Island Ferry. I also want to thank all the crew members who have worked throughout the pandemic and continue to serve our residents every day,” said Assembly Member Charles Fall.

“I am glad to see City Hall and the Department of Transportation follow through on their promise to restore half-hour service on the Staten Island Ferry during 24/7 — and thank you to Mayor de Blasio for making this happen,” said Assembly Member Michael Reilly.

“I’m pleased that full overnight service will return to the Staten Island Ferry. Many of my constituents continued to work through the COVID pandemic and have been commuting to Manhattan during off-peak hours. This is a welcomed return for them and I’m hopeful that this is indicative of life finally getting back to normal,” said Assembly Member Michael Tannousis.

"The Staten Island Ferry is an absolutely vital link between our borough and the rest of the city, and having full 24-hour service is a necessity, not a luxury, for our residents - particularly those who commute to work overnight to keep this city running. Though I understand the pandemic has complicated the restoration of service, I am pleased this is finally happening and commend all those involved for working to get this done," said City Council Minority Leader Steven Matteo.

"Many hard-working Staten Islanders depend on the overnight ferry service to get to their jobs or to return home at the end of their workday. Restoring full overnight service, as well as the 30-minute, round-the-clock schedule, is an important indicator of our city’s recovery from the pandemic," said Council Member Debi Rose.

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