History of Staten Island Ferry in Timeline
The Staten Island Ferry is a free passenger ferry operated by the New York City Department of Transportation, connecting Manhattan and Staten Island. The 5.2-mile route across New York Harbor takes approximately 25 minutes. Operating 24/7, the ferry departs every 15-20 minutes during peak times and every 30 minutes otherwise. It's the only direct mass transit link between the two boroughs besides the NYC Ferry's St. George route. While historically charging a small fare, the ferry has been fare-free since 1997. It operates independently from other ferry systems in the NYC area, such as NYC Ferry and NY Waterway.
1900: Visible Stone Foundation
In 1900, the large stone foundation of a central dock that Vanderbilt had planned to build on Staten Island was still visible at low tide, despite the project being abandoned after a storm.
June 14, 1901: CNJ ferry Mauch Chunk struck the B&O ferryboat Northfield II
On June 14, 1901, the CNJ ferry Mauch Chunk collided with the B&O ferryboat Northfield II near Whitehall, resulting in Northfield II sinking and the loss of four or five lives out of 995 passengers.
February 21, 1902: Demand for Improved Ferry Service
On February 21, 1902, two hundred people met with MacDougal Hawkes to advocate for improvements to the Whitehall-to-St. George ferry service.
November 1902: Proposals Submitted
In November 1902, both the B&O and Rogers's Standard Oil-affiliated transit venture submitted their proposals for operating the Staten Island Ferry.
1902: Debates on Whitehall Terminal Location
From 1902, there were debates on the location of the new Whitehall terminal, eventually leading to the decision to place it on Whitehall Street.
February 1903: Sinking Fund Commission Decision
In February 1903, the Sinking Fund Commission initially decided to give B&O the operating license, but the decision was met with dissent from Staten Islanders at a meeting on February 25, causing the commissioners to reject the proposal.
March 1903: City to Run Two Ferry Routes
In March 1903, the Sinking Fund Commission decided that the city would operate two ferry routes from Staten Island: one to Manhattan and another to 39th Street in Brooklyn.
May 1903: Bill Signed into Law
In May 1903, the bill authorizing New York City to acquire ferry operations was signed into law, allocating $3.2 million for the takeover, including funds for new ships.
1903: Debates on Whitehall Terminal Location
From 1903, there were debates on the location of the new Whitehall terminal, eventually leading to the decision to place it on Whitehall Street.
1903: Legislation for City-Operated Ferry
In 1903, legislation was passed to transfer ownership of the St. George to 39th Street route to the city.
1903: Original Whitehall Terminal Opens
When the original Whitehall Terminal opened in 1903, its Beaux-Arts design was identical to the Battery Maritime Building.
June 20, 1904: Ferryboat Contract Signed
On June 20, 1904, New York City signed a contract with the Maryland Steel Company for $1.7 million for four new ferryboats.
1904: City Condemns Land for Terminals
In 1904, after the Staten Island Railway Company rejected the city's offer for the terminals, the city began the process of condemning the land around the terminals. A two-year contract extension was granted to B&O.
April 1905: Delivery of New Ferryboats
By April 1905, all of the new borough-class ferryboats were finished except for the Richmond, and they were delivered during the late summer and early fall of that year.
October 25, 1905: City Assumes Ownership
On October 25, 1905, the Department of Docks and Ferries took ownership of the ferry and terminals, and the new borough ferryboats began their initial voyages.
1905: Sinking Funds Commission Approved Acquisition
In 1905, the Sinking Funds Commission approved the private line's acquisition despite objections from Mayor George McClellan and Docks Commissioner Maurice Featherson.
1905: Borough-Class Ferries Commissioned
In 1905, the ferries named after the five boroughs—Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Richmond—were the first ones commissioned for the city line.
1905: City Assumes Control
In 1905, the government of New York City assumed control of the Staten Island Ferry, marking a transition from private ownership to public operation.
November 1, 1906: City Operates Brooklyn Ferry
On November 1, 1906, the ferry service from St. George to 39th Street in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, became city-operated.
1906: Renaming of Robert Garrett
In 1906, the Robert Garrett ferryboat was renamed Stapleton.
July 1907: Arrival of Bay Ridge
In July 1907, Bay Ridge, one of three new boats commissioned for the 39th Street route, arrived.
May 1909: Stapleton Line Opens
In May 1909, New York City started operating a ferry line from Battery Park to Stapleton, running every 90 minutes between 4 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily.
November 1910: Ferryboat Nassau runs aground
In November 1910, the ferryboat Nassau ran aground on the seawall of Governors Island, resulting in minor damage to its propeller.
1910: Gaynor's Opposition
In 1910, Mayor William Jay Gaynor opposed the purchase of the 39th Street line and instructed his administration to reduce the route's operating costs.
July 4, 1912: Second Route to Brooklyn
On July 4, 1912, a second route from St. George to Brooklyn began operating by the privately operated Brooklyn & Richmond Ferry Company, running to 69th Street in Bay Ridge.
1913: Stapleton Line Discontinued
In 1913, the city discontinued the Stapleton ferry service due to low ridership, despite protests from Staten Islanders.
1913: Birth of John A. Noble
John A. Noble, Staten Island marine artist, was born in 1913.
1914: Launch of Mayor Gaynor Ferry
In 1914, the Mayor Gaynor ferry was launched. It differed in dimensions and gross tonnage from its classmates and had a 4-cylinder triple-expansion engine.
1914: Delivery of Mayor Gaynor
In 1914, the ferryboat Mayor Gaynor was delivered to boost service on the Whitehall route, but it proved less efficient than other boats.
1915: Sale of Castleton
In 1915, the vessel Castleton was sold to a private owner.
1915: Profits Under Mitchel
In 1915, under Mayor John Purroy Mitchel's administration, the city's Staten Island ferries started to show a profit.
1917: New Boats Commissioned
After being elected in 1917, Mayor John Francis Hylan commissioned a series of new boats for the Staten Island Ferry.
1919: Fire Damages Whitehall Terminal
In 1919, a fire at the South Ferry elevated station damaged the Whitehall Terminal building.
October 31, 1921: Mayor Gaynor runs aground
On October 31, 1921, the ferryboat Mayor Gaynor ran aground near Robbins Reef Light due to heavy fog.
1921: Delivery of President Roosevelt
In 1921, the ferryboat President Roosevelt (also known as T.R.) was delivered.
1922: Newhouse Sr. Publisher
In 1922, Samuel Irving Newhouse Sr. became the Staten Island Advance's publisher.
1922: Launch of President Roosevelt Ferry
In 1922, the President Roosevelt ferry was launched, differing in dimensions and gross tonnage from other ferries in its class.
1922: Stapleton Retained Until 1922
The ferryboat Stapleton, originally Robert Garrett, remained in city ownership until 1922.
1923: Construction of steam turbine-powered ferryboats
In 1923, the steam turbine-powered ferryboats William Randolph Hearst, Rodman Wanamaker, and George W. Loft were built. Their names were derived from prominent New York City businessmen and kept secret until unveiled.
March 1924: Whalen Suggests City Administration of 69th Street Ferry
In March 1924, New York City Plant and Structures Commissioner Grover A. Whalen suggested the infrequent 69th Street service be placed under city administration.
June 1924: Ferryboats go into service
In June 1924, ferryboats William Randolph Hearst, Rodman Wanamaker, and George W. Loft went into service on the 39th Street route.
June 1924: New York Bay Ferry Takes Over 39th Street Route
In June 1924, the route to 39th Street was taken over by New York Bay Ferry.
1925: Renaming of Boats
After Hylan's electoral defeat in 1925, George W. Loft and William Randolph Hearst were renamed West Brighton and Whitehall II respectively.
April 1926: Paint Scheme Changed
In April 1926, the white paint scheme of the Staten Island Ferry boats was replaced with a maroon scheme to better conceal grime.
1926: Launch of American Legion Ferry
In 1926, the American Legion ferry was launched, differing in dimensions and gross tonnage from other ferries in its class.
February 24, 1929: Mayor Gaynor crash at Whitehall ferry slip
On February 24, 1929, the ferryboat Mayor Gaynor ran into the Whitehall ferry slip, injuring three people.
1929: Dongan Hills Class Boats Delivered
From 1929 to 1931, boats in the Dongan Hills class were delivered for the 39th Street route.
1929: Delivery of Dongan Hills ferry
In 1929, the Dongan Hills ferry was delivered, the first of a subsequent class of ferries.
1931: Delivery of Knickerbocker ferry
By 1931, the Knickerbocker ferry was delivered, completing the class of ferries including Dongan Hills and Tompkinsville.
1931: Dongan Hills Class Boats Delivered
From 1929 to 1931, boats in the Dongan Hills class were delivered for the 39th Street route.
1937: Mary Murray Class Boats Delivered
From 1937 to 1938, boats in the Mary Murray class were delivered for the Whitehall Street route.
1938: Mary Murray Class Boats Delivered
From 1937 to 1938, boats in the Mary Murray class were delivered for the Whitehall Street route.
February 1939: Brooklyn & Richmond Ferry Ordered to Cease Operations
In February 1939, the United States Department of Commerce ordered the Brooklyn & Richmond Ferry Company to cease all operations after finding that one of its boats was in a severely deteriorated condition.
March 1, 1939: Electric Ferries Takes Over Bay Ridge Operation
On March 1, 1939, the Bay Ridge operation was taken over by the Electric Ferries company.
1939: Brooklyn & Richmond Ferry Operates Until 1939
The Brooklyn & Richmond Ferry continued to operate the 69th Street route until 1939.
1940: Gowanus, Bay Ridge, and Nassau Sold
By 1940, the Gowanus, Bay Ridge, and Nassau ferries were all sold. Bay Ridge was used as the barge Rappahannock River, while the other two were scrapped.
1940: Brooklyn & Richmond Ferry Asks City to Stop Operation to 39th Street
In 1940, the Brooklyn & Richmond Ferry Company asked the city to stop its municipal operation to 39th Street, but the city refused.
1941: Manhattan Out of Documentation
By 1941, the borough-class ferry Manhattan was out of documentation, and Bronx was the first of the remaining boats to be scrapped.
1943: Brooklyn Used as Floating School
Beginning in 1943, the borough-class ferry Brooklyn served as a floating school for the United States Coast Guard in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
1944: Richmond Converted to Barge
In 1944, the borough-class ferry Richmond was converted to a barge.
1945: City to Reconstruct St. George Terminal
After the end of World War II in 1945, the city wanted to reconstruct St. George Terminal.
June 25, 1946: Fire at St. George Terminal
On June 25, 1946, a fire occurred at St. George, killing three people and destroying the slips for the Whitehall ferry route. As the Whitehall route had more ridership, the 39th Street ferry service was suspended so that Whitehall ferries could stop at St. George.
1947: Remaining Ferries Scrapped
By 1947, the three remaining borough-class ferries were scrapped.
1948: Ferry Fare Remains a Nickel
In 1948, the fare for the Staten Island Ferry remained a nickel when the subway fare was increased to 10 cents.
1950: Construction of New Merrell-Class Boats Ordered
From 1950 to 1951, the city ordered the construction of three new Merrell-class boats for the Whitehall Street route.
June 8, 1951: New Terminal Opened
On June 8, 1951, a new $21-million ferry terminal facility was opened by the city.
June 1951: New Terminal Completed in June 1951
The new terminal was completed in June 1951.
1951: Construction of New Merrell-Class Boats Ordered
From 1950 to 1951, the city ordered the construction of three new Merrell-class boats for the Whitehall Street route.
1951: Dismantling of Mayor Gaynor Ferry
In 1951, the Mayor Gaynor ferry was the first of its class to be dismantled.
1951: Sixth class ferryboats in service
In 1951, the sixth class of ferryboats, Cornelius G. Kolff, Pvt. Joseph F. Merrell, and Verrazzano, went into service.
1952: Death of Alice Austen
Alice Austen, a Staten Island photographer, died in 1952.
January 16, 1953: Gold Star crashes into American Veteran
On January 16, 1953, the Gold Star crashed into the United States Lines freighter American Veteran, injuring 13 people, during a heavy fog across the East Coast.
1953: Renovation of Whitehall Terminal Announced
A $3 million renovation of the Whitehall Terminal was announced in 1953.
March 31, 1954: Electric Ferries Franchise Expires
Electric Ferries' franchise for the Bay Ridge ferry expired on March 31, 1954; and the city contracted the 69th Street ferry's operation to Henry Shanks in order to keep that ferry running.
1954: Ferryboats out of documentation
By 1954, ferryboats William Randolph Hearst, Rodman Wanamaker, and George W. Loft were out of documentation.
July 24, 1956: Renovated Whitehall Terminal Opens
The renovated Whitehall Terminal opened on July 24, 1956.
1956: Scrapping of President Roosevelt Ferry
In 1956, the President Roosevelt ferry was scrapped.
February 8, 1958: Dongan Hills hit by Norwegian Tanker Tynefield
On February 8, 1958, the Dongan Hills was hit by the Norwegian tanker Tynefield, injuring 15 people.
1958: Ridership Figure Cited
In 1958, a New York Times article cited a figure of 24 million annual riders on the Staten Island Ferry.
June 4, 1959: Cornelius G. Kolff collides with ferry slip
On June 4, 1959, the Cornelius G. Kolff collided with a ferry slip at the Whitehall Terminal, injuring 14 people.
October 23, 1960: "Sunday Bomber" incident
On October 23, 1960, the "Sunday Bomber" struck, blowing up a supply closet as the ferry passed the Statue of Liberty.
1963: Scrapping of American Legion Ferry
In 1963, the American Legion ferry was scrapped.
1964: Peak Ridership
In 1964, ridership on the Staten Island Ferry peaked at 27.5 million passengers.
1964: 69th Street Ferry Ceases Operation
In 1964, the 69th Street ferry ceased operation, due to the opening of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.
June 1965: Delivery of Kennedy class ferries
In June 1965, the Kennedy class ferries, including MV John F. Kennedy, MV American Legion, and MV The Gov. Herbert H. Lehman, were delivered.
1965: Ridership Decline
In 1965, Staten Island Ferry ridership dropped to 22 million after the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge opened.
1965: Knickerbocker sold for scrap
In 1965, the Knickerbocker ferry was sold for scrap.
1967: All Other Ferries Close
By 1967, all other ferries in New York City had closed due to competition from automobile traffic, and the St. George-to-Whitehall route was the only ferry in the city. Off-peak service was reduced in 1967, but two months later that service was restored.
1967: Only Commuter Ferry
By 1967, the Staten Island-to-Manhattan ferry was the only commuter ferry operating within the entire city.
1967: Dongan Hills out of documentation
In 1967, the Tompkinsville and Dongan Hills ferries went out of documentation.
1968: Fare Hike Proposed
By 1968, the Citizens Budget Commission proposed to hike Staten Island Ferry fares to close the subsidy deficit, suggesting 20 cents for Staten Island commuters and 50 cents for others for a one-way trip.
1968: Tompkinsville out of documentation
In 1968, the Tompkinsville and Dongan Hills ferries went out of documentation.
May 1970: Fare Increase Proposed
In May 1970, Mayor John V. Lindsay proposed raising the Staten Island Ferry fare to 25 cents, noting the cost per ride was 50 cents.
July 1, 1975: Night Service Ends
Due to the mid-1970s New York City fiscal crisis, night service ended on July 1, 1975, with alternate service being provided by the Fourth Avenue subway.
July 1975: Fare Increase Proposal
In July 1975, Mayor Abraham Beame submitted a proposal to increase the Staten Island Ferry fare due to the city's financial crisis.
August 4, 1975: Fare Increased to 25 Cents
On August 4, 1975, the Staten Island Ferry fare was increased to 25 cents for a round trip, collected in one direction only.
1975: Decommission and auction of Miss New York
In 1975, Miss New York was decommissioned and auctioned off, later used as a restaurant before sinking.
November 7, 1978: American Legion crashes near Statue of Liberty
On November 7, 1978, the American Legion crashed into the concrete seawall near the Statue of Liberty ferry port during a dense fog, injuring 173 people on board.
1979: Newhouse Sr. leaves Post
In 1979, Samuel Irving Newhouse Sr. left the post of Staten Island Advance's publisher.
May 6, 1981: American Legion rammed by MV Hoegh Orchid
On May 6, 1981, the American Legion was rammed in dense fog by MV Hoegh Orchid, a Norwegian freighter, injuring 71 passengers.
1981: MV Andrew J. Barberi Built
In 1981, the MV Andrew J. Barberi, a Barberi-class ferry boat, was built.
February 2, 1982: NTSB report on American Legion collision
The February 2, 1982, report by the National Transportation Safety Board noted the absence of a gyrocompass on the American Legion, which could have helped avoid the May 6, 1981 collision.
1982: Mary Murray as a floating wreck
From 1982 through the mid-2000s, Mary Murray sat as a floating wreck on the Raritan River.
1982: MV Samuel I. Newhouse Built
In 1982, the MV Samuel I. Newhouse, a Barberi-class ferry boat, was built.
July 7, 1986: Sword attack on Samuel I. Newhouse
On July 7, 1986, a mentally ill man attacked passengers with a sword on the Samuel I. Newhouse, killing two and injuring nine.
1986: Austen Class Built
In 1986, the Austen class ferries MV Alice Austen and MV John A. Noble, were built.
1986: Austen Class Boats Enter Service
Night service was restored in the 1980s after two boats, comprising the current Austen class, were ordered specifically for off-peak and night voyages. These boats entered service in 1986.
1987: Kolff and Merrell shipped to Rikers Island
In 1987, the Kolff (later Walter Keane) and Merrell (later Vernon C. Bain, then Harold A. Wildstein) were shipped to Rikers Island for use as interim housing while new jail facilities were built.
1988: Staten Island Ferry Featured in "Working Girl"
The backdrop of the Staten Island Ferry's route makes it a popular place for film shoots, and the ferry has been featured in various films, such as Working Girl (1988).
1990: Fare Increased to 50 Cents
In 1990, the charge for a round trip on the Staten Island Ferry was increased to 50 cents, provoking backlash among Staten Islanders.
1990: Population Increase on Staten Island
The ferry had not added more trips during nights and weekends, even though Staten Island's population had increased since 1990.
September 8, 1991: Old Whitehall Terminal Burns Down
The old Whitehall Terminal burned down in a fire on September 8, 1991.
1991: Companies Interested in Bidding for New Ferries
In 1991, seventy companies expressed interest in bidding for the rights to operate new ferries across the city.
1992: Vehicle Ban Approved
A vehicle ban on the Staten Island Ferry was approved in 1992, after the Whitehall Terminal was destroyed and subsequently rebuilt without vehicle loading areas.
1993: Shortlist of Bidders for New Ferries
By 1993, the list of potential bidders for new ferries was reduced to three companies.
1993: Secession Referendum
In 1993, grievances over the Staten Island Ferry fare partly contributed to Staten Island's passing a non-binding referendum to secede from New York City.
April 12, 1995: Andrew J. Barberi rams slip at St. George
On April 12, 1995, the Andrew J. Barberi, due to a mechanical malfunction, rammed her slip at St. George, injuring several people.
March 1997: Terminal Renovation Plans Announced
In March 1997, plans for a renovation of the Staten Island Ferry terminal were announced.
July 1997: Passenger Fare Eliminated
In July 1997, the Staten Island Ferry passenger fare was eliminated altogether as part of the implementation of the MTA's "one-city, one-fare" system, which allowed for more free transfers between different modes of transit in New York City. The MetroCard was configured to allow one free transfer between buses and subways; if the rider had paid a fare less than two hours prior, a ferry trip would be regarded as part of that transfer.
July 1997: "One-city, One-fare" Transfer Scheme
In July 1997, the city essentially eliminated the competing Whitehall Street route's fare as part of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)'s "one-city, one-fare" transfer scheme.
September 19, 1997: Vehicle plunges off John F. Kennedy
On September 19, 1997, a car plunged off John F. Kennedy as she was docking at the St. George terminal, causing minor injuries.
1997: Fast Ferry Route
A fast ferry route from Staten Island to Midtown Manhattan began operating briefly in 1997.
1997: Vessels removed from prison use
In 1997, the Kolff and Merrell vessels were removed from prison use after the Vernon C. Bain floating barge was built.
1997: Turnstiles Dismantled
In 1997, the turnstiles were dismantled when fares were discontinued.
July 31, 1998: Midtown Route Eliminated
NY Waterway eliminated the Midtown route on July 31, 1998.
1998: Fast Ferry Route Decommissioned
The fast ferry route from Staten Island to Midtown Manhattan, which began in 1997, was decommissioned in 1998.
September 11, 2001: Staten Island Ferryboats Used to Evacuate Attack Victims
Immediately after the September 11, 2001, attacks, Staten Island ferryboats were used to evacuate attack victims from the World Trade Center.
2002: Ferry Service to Bay Ridge Due to Subway Closures
In 2002, some ferries were diverted to Bay Ridge due to the closures of subways and roads across the East River.
2002: City Proposes Eliminating Night Service
In 2002, the city again proposed eliminating night service, with plans to outsource nighttime operations to other ferry companies in the area.
October 15, 2003: Andrew J. Barberi collision at St. George terminal
On October 15, 2003, the Andrew J. Barberi collided with a pier on the eastern end of the St. George ferry terminal, killing 11 people and seriously injuring many others.
2003: Vehicular Traffic Banned
As a result of the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, all vehicular traffic on the ferry was banned in 2003.
2003: Staten Island Ferry Featured in "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days"
The backdrop of the Staten Island Ferry's route makes it a popular place for film shoots, and the ferry has been featured in various films, such as How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003).
September 2004: Guy V. Molinari Delivered
The lead Molinari-class ferry, named after Guy V. Molinari, was delivered in September 2004.
2004: Andrew J. Barberi returns to service
In 2004, the Andrew J. Barberi returned to service after the October 15, 2003, collision.
2004: Scrapping of Kolff and Merrell
In 2004, the Kolff and Merrell vessels were scrapped.
2004: Night and Weekend Service Increased
Night and weekend service was increased in 2004 due to growing ridership. Before the 2004 increase in night service, boats only ran once an hour between midnight and 7 a.m.
January 5, 2005: John Marchi Delivered
The second Molinari-class ferry, named for State Senator John Marchi, was delivered on January 5, 2005.
February 7, 2005: Renovated Terminal Dedicated
On February 7, 2005, a completely renovated and modernized terminal, designed by architect Frederic Schwartz, was dedicated, along with the new two-acre Peter Minuit Plaza in the Battery. The terminal provides connections to the New York City Subway's South Ferry/Whitehall Street station complex, as well as to buses and taxis.
September 16, 2005: Spirit of America Delivered
The third Molinari-class ferry, Spirit of America, was delivered on September 16, 2005.
April 4, 2006: Spirit of America Maiden Voyage
After delays due to mechanical problems and legal proceedings, the Spirit of America had its maiden voyage on April 4, 2006.
November 2006: Additional Ferries Added During Weekend Morning Hours
In November 2006, additional ferries, running every 30 minutes, were provided during the weekend morning hours.
2006: Retirement of American Legion
In 2006, the American Legion ferry was retired and sold for scrap.
2006: Ridership Increase
In the year 2006, Staten Island Ferry ridership rose to 21.8 million.
2007: Retirement of The Gov. Herbert H. Lehman
In 2007, The Gov. Herbert H. Lehman ferry was retired.
2008: Breakdown Incidents
From 2008 to 2014, there were 58 breakdown incidents with the Molinari-class ferries.
2008: Partial scrapping of Mary Murray
In 2008, Mary Murray was partially broken up for scrap.
July 1, 2009: Sen. John J. Marchi pier collision
On July 1, 2009, the Sen. John J. Marchi lost power and hit a pier at full speed, resulting in 15 minor injuries.
May 8, 2010: Andrew J. Barberi dock collision
On May 8, 2010, the Andrew J. Barberi approached the dock, the reverse thrust failed, and the boat could not slow down, injuring 37 of the 252 passengers.
2011: Sale of The Gov. Herbert H. Lehman at auction
In 2011, The Gov. Herbert H. Lehman was sold at auction by the city.
2011: Ridership Reaches Over 21 Million
In fiscal year 2011, Staten Island Ferry ridership reached over 21 million.
2012: Scrapping and sinking of The Gov. Herbert H. Lehman
By 2012, The Gov. Herbert H. Lehman was being scrapped at Steelways Shipyard in Newburgh, New York, where it sank after developing a leak.
2012: Per-passenger Subsidy
In 2012, the state's per-passenger subsidy for the Staten Island Ferry was $4.86, paid for through taxes.
2012: Highest Ridership in Decades
In fiscal year 2012, the Staten Island Ferry carried 22.18 million passengers, the highest figure in several decades.
2013: Direct Rail-Sea Connection
As of 2013, St. George's direct rail-sea connection is one of a few left in the United States.
2013: Slight Ridership Decline
In fiscal year 2013, Staten Island Ferry ridership declined slightly to 21.4 million.
2014: Breakdown Incidents
From 2008 to 2014, there were 58 breakdown incidents with the Molinari-class ferries; almost half of these breakdowns were on Guy V. Molinari.
2014: Fare Collection Viability Study
In 2014, the city's Independent Budget Office conducted a study investigating the viability of collecting fares from everyone except Staten Island residents on the Staten Island Ferry.
2014: Ridership Decline
In fiscal year 2014, Staten Island Ferry ridership declined again to 21.25 million, while ridership on private ferry services increased.
2015: Ridership Increase After Frequency Increase
Following the 2015 increase in trip frequency, Staten Island Ferry ridership reached 21.9 million.
2015: Weekend-Morning and Late-Night Frequencies Increased
In 2015, weekend-morning and late-night frequencies were increased to every thirty minutes.
November 2016: Eastern Shipbuilding Confirmed
In November 2016, Eastern Shipbuilding was confirmed as the low bidder for constructing the new Staten Island Ferry ships.
2016: Subsidy Increase
In 2016, the state's per-passenger subsidy for the Staten Island Ferry rose to $5.87.
2016: Ridership Figures
In fiscal year 2016, the Staten Island Ferry carried 23.1 million passengers.
2016: Passengers Carried in Fiscal Year 2016
The Staten Island Ferry carried 23.9 million passengers in fiscal year 2016.
March 1, 2017: Notice to Proceed Received
On March 1, 2017, Eastern Shipbuilding received a notice to proceed with the construction of the new Staten Island Ferry ships.
September 2017: Lower Level Boarding Restored
In September 2017, lower-level boarding and disembarking was restored for all passengers after being reserved for bicyclists.
2017: Lower Levels of Terminals Reopened
In 2017, the lower levels of each terminal were reopened to reduce crowding on the ships' upper levels.
2017: Subsidy Decrease
In 2017, the state's per-passenger subsidy for the Staten Island Ferry dropped to $5.16. By comparison, the city's per-passenger subsidy for NYC Ferry in 2017 was $6.50, after accounting for the $2.75 per-passenger fare.
2017: Record Ridership
In fiscal year 2017, Staten Island Ferry ridership increased further, to 23.9 million passengers, breaking the previous year's record.
2017: Staten Island Ferry Featured in "Spider-Man: Homecoming"
The backdrop of the Staten Island Ferry's route makes it a popular place for film shoots, and the ferry has been featured in various films, such as Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017).
October 2018: Delivery Delays
In October 2018, deliveries of the new Staten Island Ferries were delayed after Eastern Shipbuilding's shipyard in Panama City, Florida, was severely damaged by Hurricane Michael.
2018: Ridership Increase
In fiscal year 2018 Staten Island Ferry Ridership rose again to 24.5 million passengers.
2019: Original Delivery Plan
Delivery of the new Staten Island Ferry ships was originally planned for 2019 and 2020.
2019: Ridership Increase
In fiscal year 2019 Staten Island Ferry Ridership increased to 25.2 million passengers.
March 2020: Service Frequencies Decreased Due to Coronavirus Pandemic
During March 2020, service frequencies were temporarily decreased to once-hourly service due to an 86% decrease in ridership levels following the spread of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic to New York City. During the pandemic, concession stands aboard each vessel were closed.
2020: Ridership Drop Due to Pandemic
In 2020, Staten Island Ferry ridership dropped significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020: Delivery Delays
In 2020, deliveries of the new Staten Island Ferries were delayed again due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.
June 2021: Nighttime Service Cut
A longer-term nighttime service cut was announced in the month following March 2020; the service reduction would remain in effect through at least June 2021, saving $6 million.
August 2021: Full-Time Service Restored
Full-time service was restored in August 2021.
August 2021: Retirement of John F. Kennedy
In August 2021, John F. Kennedy was the last of its class in service and was retired.
August 23, 2021: NYC Ferry's St. George Route Begins Operations
On August 23, 2021, NYC Ferry's St. George route began operations, restoring a route from Staten Island to Midtown Manhattan.
2021: Ridership Drop Due to Pandemic
In 2021, Staten Island Ferry ridership dropped significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
January 2022: Sale of John F. Kennedy at auction
In January 2022, John F. Kennedy was sold to Pete Davidson and Colin Jost at an auction.
February 14, 2022: MV SSG Michael H. Ollis Enters Service
On February 14, 2022, the first of the Ollis-class fleet, MV SSG Michael H. Ollis, entered service.
June 17, 2022: MV Sandy Ground Enters Service
On June 17, 2022, MV Sandy Ground, the second Ollis-class ferry, entered service.
December 22, 2022: Fire on Sandy Ground
On December 22, 2022, several riders were injured when a fire broke out on the Sandy Ground as it was traveling to St. George.
April 28, 2023: MV "Dorothy Day" Enters Service
On April 28, 2023, the final Ollis-class ferry, MV "Dorothy Day" entered service.
2023: Partial Ridership Recovery
By fiscal year 2023, Staten Island Ferry ridership had partially recovered to 14.7 million, though the route still had substantially fewer passengers than before the pandemic.
January 2024: Plans to Reopen Concession Stands
In January 2024, the New York City Department of Transportation and the New York City Economic Development Corporation announced plans to reopen the concession stands on each ferryboat, and they began looking for concessionaires that month.
2024: Busiest Ferry Route
As of 2024, the Staten Island Ferry is the single busiest ferry route, and one of the busiest ferry systems, in the United States, as well as the world's busiest passenger-only ferry.
2024: Ridership Figures
In calendar year 2024, the Staten Island Ferry had 16,687,800 riders.
2025: Renewable Diesel
As of 2025, all nine Staten Island Ferry boats run on renewable diesel.
Mentioned in this timeline
Pete Davidson is an American comedian actor and writer known...
One Direction D was a highly successful English-Irish pop boy...
The United States of America is a federal republic located...
John F Kennedy JFK was the th U S President...
Coronaviruses are a family of RNA viruses affecting mammals and...
World War II - was a global conflict between the...
Trending
Jeremiyah Love is an American college football running back currently playing for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish He is known...
Benny Johnson is an American conservative political commentator and YouTuber known for his contributions to various conservative media outlets including...
29 days ago Tig Notaro Details Fallout With Cheryl Hines Due to Husband RFK Jr's Views.
7 months ago BYU Cougars Football: Marion's Transfer, Taggart's Entry, and Tennessee's Offers
Dan Marino is a former NFL quarterback renowned for his prolific passing and record-setting career with the Miami Dolphins Drafted...
1 hour ago James Franklin in Talks with Virginia Tech, Candidate for Historic Team.
Popular
Chuck Schumer is the senior United States Senator from New...
Nancy Pelosi is a prominent American politician notably serving as...
Bernie Sanders is a prominent American politician currently serving as...
Nicholas J Fuentes is a far-right political commentator and activist...
Candace Owens is an American political commentator and author known...
XXXTentacion born Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy was a controversial yet...