New York Citywide Ferry
New York City's inaugural citywide ferry system attracted 1 million riders in fewer than three months of operation when it began in 2017.
NYC Ferry now offers six waterborne routes and 25 landings spanning 60 nautical miles of waterways connecting the waterfront communities of New York City, along with a seasonal route serving Governors Island. The citywide ferry system served over 7 million passengers in 2024.
AKRF led the preparation of a CEQR/SEQRA Environmental Impact Statement for which the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development issued a Statement of Findings in 2016. Our environmental review covered an expansion of the privately-operated East River Ferry with five new routes and 13 new or upgraded landings, as well as upgrades to two Manhattan terminals.
Detailed Environmental Studies
Key analyses conducted by AKRF included air quality, noise, open space, transportation, and natural resources, particularly aquatic resources.
Our air quality analysis focused on emissions from the proposed ferry service itself, including the effect of ferry engines on pollutant concentrations near the affected existing terminals and landings and the proposed landings, and on the total emissions burden added in the New York City area. The pollutant analysis addressed carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and respirable particulate matter.
We also prepared a Technical Memoranda in 2016 related to proposed modifications to the project focused on a potential alternate location for the Roosevelt Island landing.
AKRF proceeded to lead the preparation of a CEQR/SEQRA Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for an expansion of the system with additional routes and landings. The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development issued a Statement of Findings on the SEIS in 2020.
We have also provided extensive permitting support for NYC Ferry, including proposed upgrades to the Hunters Point South landing and the reconstruction of Pier C at the Brooklyn Navy Yard to serve as a new Homeport pier for NYC Ferry.
