Hopes are high that the East River Ferry connecting Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan can become a viable commuting mode, while also boosting development around its landings. Although ridership is growing, some doubt if it can become self-sustaining.
While the priceless views and serene surroundings win raves from its few regular riders, only one year into a three-year contract subsidized to the tune of $9 million by the City of New York, "the verdict on whether the service will sustain itself is far from clear," reports Joseph Berger.
"The number of riders on the service as a whole is growing; in its first
year, beginning in June 2011, 1.2 million passengers rode the ferries,
according to the New York City Economic Development Corporation, which
oversees the service." But many of those riders were tourists and families out for a one-time jaunt. "But it is not yet apparent," writes Berger, "that the ferries can become a daily habit for
enough people to keep New York Waterway, which operates the ferry, from
losing money, as it has on some other routes."
FULL STORY: Hoping to Lure Riders With Scenic Commutes
The Future of the Typical, Solo Car Commute
A study finds that a third of workers would prefer to work remotely every day of the workweek, potentially removing nearly 50 million cars from U.S. roadways.
Atlanta Commuters Outspend the Rest of the Country
The commute costs Atlanta residents more than in any other city, according to new analysis by Educated Driver.
East River Ferry Service Is Transforming America's First Suburbs
Once again, the ferry is remaking the Brooklyn waterfront. One hundred years after making Brooklyn Heights the nation's original suburb, it's spawning new developments along the Brooklyn and Queens waterfront. And the fare? Same as a subway ride.
Depopulation Patterns Get Weird
A recent ranking of “declining” cities heavily features some of the most expensive cities in the country — including New York City and a half-dozen in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
California Exodus: Population Drops Below 39 Million
Never mind the 40 million that demographers predicted the Golden State would reach by 2018. The state's population dipped below 39 million to 38.965 million last July, according to Census data released in March, the lowest since 2015.
Google Maps Introduces New Transit, EV Features
It will now be easier to find electric car charging stations and transit options.
Ohio Lawmakers Propose Incentivizing Housing Production
A proposed bill would take a carrot approach to stimulating housing production through a grant program that would reward cities that implement pro-housing policies.
Chicago Awarded $2M Reconnecting Communities Grant
Community advocates say the city’s plan may not do enough to reverse the negative impacts of a major expressway.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Town of Zionsville
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