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."
Read the 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.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.
Chicago breaks ground on $3 billion megadevelopment
The new neighborhood, titled Foundry Park, will one day host 3,700 residences.
Move over, LA: St. Louis gears up for Olympics, invests millions in downtown redevelopment
The Missouri city will host the 2028 Olympic soccer group stage and knockout matches.
Satanic place names
From streams and lakes to valleys and canyons, I mapped more than 1,000 places named after the Devil.
California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO resigns after $600,000 scandal
Under Ian Choudri, the authority used taxpayer dollars to fund first class flights and trips to nightclubs.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority