Tuesday 15 October 2019

Staten Island Ferry

Staten Island Ferry


Staten Island Ferry is a ferry that carries people across the water body. The ferry brings people within Manhattan and boroughs. It began working in1817. New York Department of Transportation runs it. Staten Island Ferry joins Staten Island to Manhattan. This ferry system works separately from the NY waterway and NYC ferry.
The websites on Staten Island Ferry information shows 25 million riders per year. It means 70,000 riders travel in it per day. It gives an excellent view of New York Harbor Ellis Island and The Statue of Liberty.

Facts about Ferry
Staten Island became the part of New York in 1898 officially. But it had ferry service to Manhattan a long time ago. This service was slightly alike we have now. It was in St. George to Lower Manhattan. This service began in 1880 by Erastus Wiman. He tried to attract people by stadium, parks and theatres around.
Then the Staten Island became the part of New York City. The state took control of it. It used as gunships in wars. Per ride, it used to cost 5 cents. But the ferry was not making any money by fare. Then it became a free service. It was also to aid the riders. They could not get off the borough through freeway before.

Staten Island Ferry works 24/7. The schedule can change due to extreme weather conditions. The timing alters without any notice. The trip is late if the ferry deports after 6 minutes or more. You can confirm your trip over a helpline. Dial 311 and get updates. There is an email address as well, i.e. ferrylatenotes@dot.nyc.gov. Late notes also found on Passenger Service Office. It is in the waiting area of St. George Terminal.
It also works on holidays, i.e. Independence Day, Labor Day, New Year’s Day, etc.

Staten Island Ferry Time
It works a full day, including weekends. The ferry leaves every 30 minutes on days. At weekends, it goes after every hour. The service gets more active in the time of peak hours.
There is a fast service in working hours. The working hours are 6:30 am-9:30 am and 3:30 pm- 8:30 pm. During rush hours, maintenance work is done, and boats regularly fueled. The ferry ends a route in 25 minutes.

Staten Island Ferry Cost
Before, this transport use to charge the riders. But the fare of rides had always been very less. It was low-cost and negligible. Now the service has become totally free. The people get to enjoy fine sites on the ferry without any cost.
It seems to be a cheap trip for the fun-seekers. Tourists can use the saved amount in tourism attractions.

Staten Island Ferry Parking
The people park vehicles in Municipal lots near Staten Island Ferry. The public parking has not opened yet. These lots are open 24 hours for people. The payment can be in the form of cash or parking cards at Muni Meters. They charge 25 cents for 15 minutes or $8 for a day parking.
 At St. George Courthouse Garage, parking is open. It places at 54 Central Avenue. The garage charges $11.75 per hour.
There are extra charges of $2 on extra hours.

Staten Island Security
Though the ferry offers a free ride but has strict security rules. The riders have to undergo K9 personnel and NYPD screening. If anyone refuses, he will not be allowed to have a ride. The ferry is under CCTV surveillance all the time.
Lost and Found office is also in St. George Terminal waiting room. It is next to the NYPD Police Room. The services are open from Monday to Friday. The service entails helping to find the lost items. As soon as the objects found, riders are called to hand over the purpose to them.

The ferry joins Staten Island and Manhattan. It works within St. George Ferry Terminal and Whitehall Terminal. St. George Ferry Terminal is at 1 Bay Street. You can reach there by MTA buses and SIR. Whitehall Ferry Terminal is at 4 South Street. It is accessible by MTA Buses and Subway. Both the terminals decked with elevators. The Wi-Fi service is available on them as well.

Attractions around the Ferry
When you get off the ferry, there are many places to explore around. You get to see the Statue of Liberty even without visiting it. By this ferry, you get to see Verrazano Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge. You can walk up to St George Hall and Borough Hall. There is a botanical garden that cannot be ignored. The area has been growing for tourists' appeal. You can have a great meal in eateries.
If you do not want a hectic walk, the Island ferry is a great choice. It gives the flair to explore while resting.