New City, NY – In a significant enhancement to local public transportation, County Executive Ed Day and the Rockland County Department of Public Transportation have announced the launch of the TOR Weekend Ferry Connection bus service. Starting on Saturday, July 6th, this new service will provide seamless transit connections for Metro-North Hudson Line customers traveling to Haverstraw via the Haverstraw-Ossining Weekend Ferry. This initiative will enable passengers to extend their journeys beyond the Ferry Landing using public transit.
The TOR Ferry Connection bus service will align with Metro-North’s Haverstraw-Ossining Weekend Ferry service pilot program, which commenced on May 25th and is expected to run through November 10th. This new bus route will meet each ferry arriving and departing from the Haverstraw Ferry Landing on Saturdays and Sundays, facilitating easy access to various destinations in Rockland County.
Service Details:
- Route Coverage: The bus will provide service from the Haverstraw Ferry Landing to downtown Haverstraw, the Village of Haverstraw, the Village of West Haverstraw, Garner Arts Center, Rockland Lake State Park, downtown Nyack, and the Palisades Center mall in West Nyack.
- Stops at Palisades Center: Buses will stop at the stores’ bus stop at Macy’s and the Commuter Parking Lot.
- Operating Hours: The service operates between 8 AM and 10 PM, featuring 26 trips per day (13 Southbound trips meeting all ferry arrivals and 13 Northbound trips meeting all ferry departures).
- Fare: The service is provided free of charge.
Quotes from Officials:
- County Executive Ed Day: “Rockland County is happy to be able to host visitors from around our region, who are able to use the new Haverstraw-Ossining Weekend Ferry Service to travel to Rockland. With the TOR Weekend Ferry Connection bus service, those visitors now have a way to travel from the Ferry Landing to the various destinations and attractions Rockland has to offer.”
- Rockland County Legislature Chairman Jay Hood Jr.: “This is the perfect time to launch this new service – with summer in full swing and so many opportunities to enjoy our Hudson River waterfront, arts centers, restaurants, shops and more. This effort means visitors can leave their cars at home but still have a reliable way to visit the many cultural, recreational and historic landmarks that help make Rockland County the special place we all love. Likewise, Rockland residents will have a special way to travel across the Hudson to visit the east side and even travel further into New York City if they choose. Thanks to all who have helped make this new service possible.”
- Doug Schuetz, Acting Commissioner of Rockland County Public Transportation Department: “We are pleased that our Department was able to work quickly to put the TOR Weekend Ferry Connection into place. Thanks to the hard work and efforts of our staff and bus operator, and with operating assistance funds from Metro-North, TOR can now provide this valuable service.”
- Lucy Redzeposki, Director of Economic Development and Tourism: “This new bus route combined with the weekend ferry service offers visitors and residents a convenient option to explore Rockland’s unique tourism assets. Expect the unexpected in beautiful Rockland County!”
- Michael Kohut, Mayor of the Village of Haverstraw: “The Village of Haverstraw is thrilled that the County of Rockland has recognized this opportunity to promote tourism along the Hudson River provided by the start of the weekend ferry service. Now those from the east side of the Hudson can have the chance to explore Rockland’s river communities at their leisure and Rocklanders can enjoy the opportunity to explore Westchester and beyond via Metro-North.”
Additional Information:
- Website: For more details and to sign up for free Transit Alerts, visit www.rocklandbus.com.
- Trip Planning Assistance: Call the Transit Information Center at (845) 364-3333, Monday-Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM.
This collaborative effort between the Rockland County Department of Public Transportation, Metro-North Railroad, the Rockland County Department of Economic Development and Tourism, and the Village of Haverstraw marks a significant step in enhancing connectivity and promoting tourism within the region.