I would like to congratulate the City of Yonkers and NY Water Taxi for successfully introducing the new Yonkers commuter ferry service to NYC. The service begins today (May 1st).
In 1985, shortly after I was elected to the Westchester County Board of Legislators, I initiated a lobbying effort trying to get a ferry service started to NYC from the Hudson River communities. We received a very positive response from commuters and organized two free trial ferry rides from the river communities into Manhattan. The Reporter Dispatch (now the Journal News) ran a front page story on Friday, July 12, 1985: HUDSON RIVER FERRY TO MANHATTAN- WESTCHESTER LAWMAKER SAYS PUBLIC DEMANDS HIGH SPEED SERVICE.
Although there was substantial interest from commuters -- the service never got off the ground. The problems: lack of commuter parking in the river villages. Others expressed concern that a ferry service would generate additional local vehicular traffic from out of town residents who would like to take commuter ferry service into Manhattan and would need to park their cars at ferry parking locations.
Ferry service will enhance commuters quality of life. It's also important that commuters have options. Providing Metro North with competition will enhance rail service because Metro North will recognize that if service is not good commuters have other options. Ferry service with stops along the river is also good for tourism.
The Yonkers location is excellent. This is a great new service for commuters. It's a very exciting day for Westchester to have ferry service. A salute to those who made the ferry service happen!
For a free ride on the Yonkers-NYC ferry e mail your name, phone number to info@nywatertaxi.com and a pass during the month of May will be sent to you.
The motto---------------------DON'T GET DISCOURAGED! Good initiatives take time.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor