Wong reports $8.79 per-rider subsidy, below national peers
FY26 subsidy is $8.79, down from a peak near $13; NYC Ferry has the lowest subsidy per rider among major publicly funded passenger ferry systems.
That brings us to the financial side of the system.
Like every public transit system, NYC Ferry depends on public subsidy, and our focus is ensuring that investment delivers more public benefit, more access, better service, and stronger connections across the city.
Our FY26 financials were recently finalized, and our per-rider subsidy is $8.79, remaining more than 30% below its fiscal 20 peak of nearly $13.
With a subsidy under $9, NYC Ferry continues to have the lowest subsidy per rider of any major publicly funded passenger ferry system in the nation.
Our subsidy provider is also lower than many other forms of local and regional transit, including MTA Express Bus Service, Long Island Railroad, and Metro North.
Despite cost pressures from fuel, inflation, and optimized services, the broader direction on subsidy remains healthy.
Ridership is growing, fare box revenue is up, and we expect the route changes to keep paying off.