Sunset-Ridge Waterfront Alliance

[Source: NY Water Taxi]

New York Water Taxi (NYWT), and our partner TWFM Ferry (TWFM), regretfully announces the suspension of commuter service from the Brooklyn Army Terminal to lower Manhattan effective February 1, 2008.

NYWT took over the service in 2003, on short notice, when it was abandoned by another operator. We have worked tirelessly to make the run economically viable, but the service continues to be an economic drain on the Company.

Fuel prices have doubled since the beginning of 2007 and ridership on BAT service has stayed constant. During the winter, ridership decreases even further. We cannot continue to operate this commuter service without public support.

We will continue to work with the city agencies, elected officials such as Councilmember Gentile and the Sunset Ridge Ferry Coalition [sic.] in the hope that we will be able to restore the service by the spring. Proposals for public operating subsidies and new docks that could add riders to this commuter service would help tremendously and we will keep BAT riders informed about the possible resumption of the service via email.

NYWT and TWFM believe that waterborne transportation is critically important for Brooklyn neighbors adjacent to our magnificent Harbor and we have done our best to provide the service. We apologize for the inconvenience that this service suspension will undoubtedly cause.

NYWT will refund unused one way or ten-trip tickets. Please mail them to the office address below and you will receive a refund check. If you have questions please call Shanell at 212-742-1969 x 211. Wageworks has been notified and will reimburse individual accounts effective February 1, 2008.

We are thankful for our loyal BAT customers and are saddened by the need to suspend this service.

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