Tuesday, July 15, 2025
The tides of New York City travel are shifting again. The NYC Ferry overhaul is setting the stage for a long-awaited connection between Staten Island and Brooklyn—a move poised to transform both transit and tourism. For years, Staten Island ferry riders have gazed across the harbor, imagining an easy route to Bay Ridge without detouring through Manhattan’s tangled streets. Now, that dream might finally sail into reality.
The proposed Staten Island-Brooklyn link promises faster commutes, scenic journeys, and fresh possibilities for New York tourism. Travelers could glide from Staten Island’s North Shore to Brooklyn’s vibrant neighborhoods, opening new adventures in Bay Ridge and beyond. The change could also ease congestion, revitalize waterfront communities, and boost business across the city.
As NYC Ferry charts this bold new course, all eyes are on how it might redefine not just travel routes—but how New Yorkers and visitors experience the city itself.
A New Lifeline Across New York Harbor
Under the proposal, the current St. George route would extend beyond its Manhattan-only service. Ferries would cross New York Harbor from Staten Island’s North Shore to Bay Ridge, then continue to Atlantic Avenue at Brooklyn Bridge Park, finally ending at Wall Street’s Pier 11.
This isn’t just a convenience for locals. It’s a major shift in how tourists and business travelers might navigate New York City. From the new Bay Ridge stop, passengers could link directly to the city’s broader ferry network, including Governor’s Island, Astoria, Long Island City, and even Ferry Point Park in Throggs Neck.
Currently, the St. George ferry only serves Battery Park City and Midtown West. The proposed expansion would drastically increase options for travelers looking to bypass Manhattan traffic or explore the city’s waterfront neighborhoods.
Tourism and Business Travel Could Get a Major Boost
This potential new ferry link isn’t just about transportation—it’s about transforming how people experience New York.
For tourists, a direct ferry between Staten Island and Brooklyn means faster, more scenic connections between two of the city’s outer boroughs. Visitors could pair a stroll along Staten Island’s North Shore with dining in Bay Ridge or sightseeing at Brooklyn Bridge Park—all without slogging through Manhattan.
For business travelers, the route could offer crucial time savings. As Brooklyn grows as a business hub, ferry service from Staten Island would provide an alternative to crowded subway transfers and bridge traffic.
Travel professionals should take note. This route could become a selling point for customized city tours, hotel packages, and event planning that weaves together waterfront destinations.
Tourism and Business Travel Could Get a Major Boost
This potential new ferry link isn’t just about transportation—it’s about transforming how people experience New York.
For tourists, a direct ferry between Staten Island and Brooklyn means faster, more scenic connections between two of the city’s outer boroughs. Visitors could pair a stroll along Staten Island’s North Shore with dining in Bay Ridge or sightseeing at Brooklyn Bridge Park—all without slogging through Manhattan.
For business travelers, the route could offer crucial time savings. As Brooklyn grows as a business hub, ferry service from Staten Island would provide an alternative to crowded subway transfers and bridge traffic.
Travel professionals should take note. This route could become a selling point for customized city tours, hotel packages, and event planning that weaves together waterfront destinations.
A Push Years in the Making
The Staten Island–Brooklyn ferry idea has been floating around City Hall for years. Advocates like Councilmembers Kamillah Hanks and Justin Brannan have championed it as a vital link for communities historically isolated from each other.
Earlier attempts to move the plan forward ran into political and financial roadblocks. The New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC), which operates the NYC Ferry, had previously signaled that it was focused on stabilizing the current system rather than expanding routes.
But times—and travel patterns—are changing. With commuters, tourists, and city planners all demanding more sustainable and flexible transportation options, the EDC has shifted its stance.
The agency now sees the ferry network as a critical tool not only for moving people but for stimulating waterfront development and reducing car traffic across bridges and tunnels.
Financial Hurdles and Sustainability in Focus
While the proposed route has excited city leaders and residents, there are practical hurdles to overcome.
NYC Ferry’s redesign aims to improve travel times, increase frequency, and reduce the public subsidy per trip. The system has faced criticism in recent years for high operating costs and low farebox recovery.
Extending service between Staten Island and Bay Ridge could strain finances further, especially if ridership doesn’t meet projections. The EDC plans to conduct rider surveys throughout the summer to gauge demand and fine-tune the proposal. Final route decisions are expected in September, with changes likely rolling out this winter.
The financial stakes are high. Tourism, commuting, and city budgets all hang in the balance.
A Systemwide Overhaul Beyond One Route
The proposed Staten Island–Brooklyn connection is part of a broader NYC Ferry overhaul—the first significant revamp since the system launched in 2017.
Among other proposed changes:
- Splitting the current East River route into two for more efficient service.
- Combining the Soundview and Rockaway routes to streamline operations.
- Offering direct connections from South Brooklyn to Midtown without requiring a transfer.
These changes aim to tackle persistent challenges in ferry travel, from long wait times to inconsistent schedules. For travel industry insiders, the shakeup could redefine how tourists and locals move between iconic spots, with ripple effects for hotels, event venues, and tour operators.
The Outer Boroughs Stand to Gain Big
A Staten Island–Brooklyn ferry doesn’t just shorten travel times. It connects communities in ways that reshape urban tourism and daily life.
Once operational, the route could link directly with the MTA’s planned Interborough Express—a light rail project set to connect Brooklyn and Queens. This would create a seamless corridor linking three outer boroughs without passing through Manhattan.
For travelers, that means a faster journey from the North Shore to diverse neighborhoods, cultural sites, and dining districts. For tourism businesses, it opens new markets and fresh itineraries beyond the traditional Manhattan-centric view of New York.
Next Steps for NYC Ferry and the Travel Industry
For now, the proposed changes remain just that—proposals. The EDC’s public feedback process will determine whether the Staten Island–Brooklyn link becomes reality.
Travel professionals should watch developments closely. A new ferry route could reshape transportation logistics for major events, corporate travel, and leisure itineraries. Hotels near ferry terminals could see higher demand. Tour companies might design new experiences that highlight the city’s growing waterfront culture.
Above all, the plan reflects how New York is rethinking mobility for a post-pandemic world. Waterways that once carried only cargo now offer crucial passenger routes that blend function with urban adventure.
NYC’s ferry network has already changed how people experience the city. With the proposed Staten Island–Brooklyn link, it’s poised to transform it even further. For travel insiders and city planners alike, it’s a voyage worth tracking.
