New York, NY - September 17, 2013 - U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten E. Gillibrand today announced $2 million in federal funding to maintain the Staten Island Ferry System, which includes the eight ferry vessels, St. George Ferry and Whitehall terminals and the maintenance of the ferry infrastructure both structural and sub-structural to keep them in a state of good repair. The grant, provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation, is being awarded to the New York City Department of Transportation.
“This federal funding will help ensure reliable ferry service for Staten Island commuters,” said Schumer. “By providing this much-needed funding, the thousands of Staten Islanders who use the ferry can rest assured that these eight vessels and two terminals are well-maintained.”
“The Staten Island Ferry is vital to the daily commute of tens of thousands of Staten Islanders, who deserve efficient, dependable transportation,” Gillibrand said. “This funding will provide repairs and maintenance to Staten Island Ferry’s infrastructure and will go a long way towards keeping our ferries running safely and on time.”
As the only ferry service between Staten Island and Manhattan, the Staten Island Ferry has over 22 million passengers per year. The boats make 109 daily trips during the work week and carry approximately 70,000 passengers. The boats make 35,000 trips annually. The ferry is run by the New York City Department of Transportation, which maintains the boat fleet and all its respective buildings.