58th Street Ferry To Return To Sunset Park – Will You Take It?

With more than 14 months of construction expected on the damaged R train link connecting Brooklyn and Manhattan, commuters were expecting a nightmare of overcrowded trains and train-to-train transfers. That expected congestion might lessen a bit now as the city prepares to reopen the blue highway between the boroughs. The Economic Development Corporation has agreed to bring back the 58th Street ferry service while the R train connection is being fixed.

Previously we had reported on Gentile’s desire to bring back ferry service to ease the commute for R train riders about to be seriously inconvenienced once work on the R line begins on August 4. According to a press release by Gentile, he and Council Speaker Christine Quinn helped broker a deal with City Hall and the New York City Economic Development Corporation. Of course, not to be out done, State Senator Marty Golden issued a press release claiming he brokered the deal directly with the mayor himself.

Whoever got it done, residents will be able to enjoy the $2 fare (Ed. — And why is that?) and 15-minute commute from Sunset Park to Wall Street beginning on Monday. The ferry will depart from the Rockaways and stop at the 58th Street Pier / Brooklyn Army Terminal before heading to Pier 11 near Wall Street, and a second stop at East 34th Street in Midtown.

While the service has only been approved on a trial basis, Gentile is hopeful that it will go on longer.

“Having this temporary ferry will ease commutes for those who use the R train, so I encourage people to skip the train crowds and use the ferry which will get you to Wall Street in 15 minutes and then to midtown thereafter. We must show the City that we need this service and that we will use it in large numbers so that it can be continued beyond the trial run,” Gentile said.

This will be great news for R train riders, but will residents of Bensonhurst, who have other options including the D, N and F, use it? Let us know!