NYC Ferry’s Bronx route in Soundview launches

NYC Ferry’s expansion continues today with the launch of its latest route: the long-promised connection between Soundview in the South Bronx, and several stops in Manhattan. The inaugural ride happened at about 6:30 a.m., with Mayor Bill de Blasio and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. among the officials who came out.

The new stop is located in Clason Point Park, at the end of Sound View Avenue, and promises to provide Bronx residents with more convenient access to parts of the Manhattan waterfront. It takes 45 minutes from start to finish, and stops at 90th Street on the Upper East Side, East 34th Street in Midtown, and Pier 11 at Wall Street.

Its connection to other transit options within the Bronx, however, is somewhat limited; buses takes riders to other parts of the borough, but the nearest subway station (at Morrison Avenue-Sound View) is a solid two miles away. To help make those connections easier, the MTA and NYC’s Economic Development Corporation (which has overseen the ferry’s launch and expansion) have expanded Bx27 service nearby to better coordinate with the ferry schedule.

This brings the number of NYC Ferry routes up to five, with a sixth—the Lower East Side—setting sail in two weeks. You can check out the full Soundview schedule on NYC Ferry’s website.

And now, some photos from the first ride: