Wong says vision study should evaluate bills, cannot support legislation
Preliminary estimates show eight additional vessels, $25-30 million annual operating costs, and hundreds of millions in capital; the vision study is due summer 2027.
While we share the underlying goal of improving waterfront access, we believe the vision study is the right vehicle for evaluating these proposals in a comprehensive data-driven way.
The vision study is evaluating more than 40 waterfront
sites, including the sites in the council's proposed bills, along with other underserved communities.
The study will give us the fact base to comprehensively evaluate waterfront sites, including the costs, ridership potential, infrastructure needs, water conditions, permitting requirements,
potential operating models, and a thoughtful consideration about whether service can be delivered through NYC Ferry, a private operator, a recreational model, or a different service approach.
That work is underway and is expected to wrap up in summer of 2027.
For that reason, we cannot support the proposed council legislation, but rather believe a responsible path forward is through the vision study in close consultation with city council.