HAVERSTRAW, NY – Governor Kathy Hochul’s announcement of a pilot program to expand Metro-North Railroad services, including weekend ferry operations and significant ticket discounts, has stirred a mixture of excitement – and calls to scale efforts even further…lest they fall short of Rockland’s ongoing mass transit needs.
Starting May 25, the Haverstraw-Ossining Ferry will extend its service to include weekends, operating from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. This marks the first time weekend ferry services will be available, providing a new leisure and commute option for residents west of the Hudson River.
Additionally, massive UniTicket discounts ranging from 50 to 90 percent on ferries, buses, and parking rates aim to make travel more affordable and convenient, in line with the new congestion pricing policy set to begin on June 30.
The Haverstraw-Ossining Ferry, a critical link since its inception in 2000, has been instrumental in facilitating daily commutes across the Hudson River. Its success has spurred calls for it to operate during mid-day, night, and expanded weekend times, matching the MetroNorth Railroad’s Hudson Line timetable. This expansion has been projected to not only enhance access to employment and recreational opportunities but would also stimulate local economies, particularly in downtown Haverstraw’s burgeoning restaurant district.
Some local leaders, including Assembly Members Ken Zebrowski and Dana Levenberg, have praised the initiative. Zebrowski highlighted the relief this provides to commuters’ wallets and the increased travel options. Levenberg expressed excitement over the economic boost the expanded service could bring to local businesses and tourism.
However, the pilot program, which will run until Veteran’s Day, has also prompted calls for more comprehensive improvements. County Executive Ed Day expressed appreciation, but emphasized the need for expanded weekday services and equitable treatment in transportation options. “While the pilot program is a step in the right direction, Rockland County still faces a substantial public transit deficit on weekdays, and our commuters deserve consistent and reliable service,” Day stated.
Longtime advocates for increased mass transit options for Rockland, such as local voices Jared Rodriguez and Magda Truchan, were glad that their efforts are beginning to manifest into results, but want more action. Their Change.org petition to expand the ferry service has gained nearly 800 votes at the time of this article’s publishing.
Jared is currently Vice President of Garner Arts Center and a staunch advocate for transportation development. He argues that the program doesn’t go far enough. Rodriguez insists on the necessity of a ferry service that aligns fully with the MetroNorth Railroad Hudson Line timetable and the restoration of passenger rail services to West Nyack and beyond. “It’s a great first step, but our work isn’t finished. We need service expansions that match the daily, comprehensive needs of our communities,” Rodriguez explained.
Magda, who for nearly a decade has fostered the Annual Haverstraw Food Crawl (now rebranded for 2024 as “Eats and Beats”), with thousands of tourists each September (many employing the Ferry service) into Haverstraw, was also cautiously optimistic, and pointed out that the Village of Haverstraw created a resolution to expand ferry service locally. Resolution #254 advocates for the extension of the ferry service to weekends, thus aligning it with the Metro North Commuter Railroad schedule. This resolution underscores the community’s desire to increase tourism and provide residents with more flexible travel options.
The pilot is part of a broader effort by Governor Hochul to provide alternatives to driving into New York City, particularly ahead of the impending congestion pricing in Manhattan. MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber reiterated the importance of this initiative for those living west of the Hudson, emphasizing the disparities in service frequency and reliability compared to other lines.
Local studies, including a report by the Brookings Institution, highlight the stark urban-suburban imbalance in transit access to jobs within the NYC Metro area. This imbalance is particularly pronounced in Rockland County, where the labor access rate is significantly lower than in neighboring urban centers. Advocates argue that expanding transit options could significantly alleviate these disparities.