It is part of procurement of a new operating contract which sees Hornblower continue working alongside NYCEDC to advance the NYC Ferry Forward Plan.
The new operating agreement will include a framework to partner with a corporate sponsor to reduce the subsidy.
There will be upgraded rider services like free onboard Wi-Fi, as well as system upgrades.
“We are proud to be selected by NYCEDC and the City of New York as we continue our partnership as the operator of NYC Ferry,” said Kevin Rabbitt, Hornblower Group CEO.
“As the founding operator of NYC Ferry in 2017, we look forward to building upon the system’s record-setting success in a new phase.”
The NYC Ferry Forward initiative has so far delivered record ridership with over 6.6 million passengers from August 2022-July 2023.
Farebox revenue is up more than $6 million with the per passenger subsidy set to be reduced by nearly 30% by 2025.
Ferry access has improved through the NYC Ferry Discount ticket program and half-price tickets for Harbor School students.,
New pilot routes were launched including the Rockaway Rocket, Rockaway Reserve, and South Brooklyn Faster Connections.
“Thanks to the Ferry Forward Plan, ridership is at an all-time high,” said NYCEDC President & CEO Andrew Kimball.
“With Hornblower, we will bring NYC Ferry to its next phase with even more onboard amenities.”
Tags: NYC Ferry, Kevin Rabbitt, Hornblower Group, NYCEDC, Andrew Kimball
