New York unveiled plans recently for the largest ferry expansion in a century between Manhattan and outlying boroughs from the summer of 2017.
When the service is fully operational in 2018, it will connect 21 jetties and run around 4.6 million trips a year across six routes connecting Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens and Staten Island with Manhattan. It will also extend to Rockaway in southeast Brooklyn.
The ferry services will make it easier for people living in waterfront communities, not currently well serviced by bus or subway, to travel in a bid to foster residential and commercial development.
"It's going to be a commute like no other: fresh air, harbor views and a fast ride on the open water," said Mayor Bill de Blasio, announcing that private company Hornblower would operate the service.
The firm already ferries 13 million passengers through New York Harbor each year.
Terry MacRae, CEO of Hornblower, said the system would "revolutionize" the way New Yorkers work, live and play.
The expanded ferry service, which will roll out from summer 2017, will create 155 new jobs and deliver at least 18 new boats equipped with WiFi, the city said.
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