> (2) Cost/time of commuting.
> A 10-minute trip across the Hudson at $5.50 could well be cost effective even
> when compared to a $2.10 bus fare on the 188 bus plus $1.50 New York subway
> fare (total $3.60) or $2.80 on the 158 bus plus $1.50 New York subway fare
> (4.30) if commuters consider the value of one’s time.
Commuters that take the 188 probably work far north in Manhattan in areas that are not served by the ferry’s free shuttle.
> This is a critical factor, as
> commuting by bus will consume an hour during rush hours.
I calculate that an Edgewater ferry would take just as long, longer if one considers that the 38th Street terminal was not designed to handle the volume of commuters that the committee envisions by adding ferry service to our town. Also, the report does not specify how often the ferry would run. Assuming once every 15 minutes, if three terminals are erected in Edgewater, then that would be much more volume to the 38th street terminal unless another terminal is developed.
> It should be pointed
> out that the ferry fare would include free bus transportation to key points in
> Manhattan.
Yes, the free shuttle that is sometimes late and often cramped.
> Compared to the cost of driving into Manhattan and parking a car
> in a garage, ferry service offers an obvious substantial savings.
Obviously.
> (3) Leisure and Recreation.
> While some may see the reintroduction of ferries as an aid to simplifying the
> commute of many residents to New York, ferries could also give all residents
> the opportunity of easy access to the many cultural and recreational activities
> in Manhattan.
Unless the free or low cost shuttle suggested by the committee runs 24 hours a day, this would NOT be an opportunity for easy access, for cultural and recreational activities, unless you live within walking distance of a ferry terminal. For those living farther away, the possibility that a shuttle bus would not be waiting for them on their return means a long walk or call to a taxi to get home (since no parking will be provided at the ferry).
And if Edgewater residents are allowed to park their cars within walking distance of a ferry, why wouldn’t non residents do the same for recreational activities…going back to my argument of crowded parking on the Borough’s side streets.
In reality, if and when the free or low cost shuttle does not run, neither will the ferry. Unlike the Mayor and municipal government, the owners and operators of the ferry are not beholden to the voters of Edgewater, and will not lose money or provide service solely to convenience the residents of Edgewater. As a commuter ferry, they will operate at the demand of the commuter, not the Edgewater resident. Therefore, they will provide free shuttle service and ferry service only when a demand for passengers exist, which is not necessarily at 10:00pm on Saturday night.
Overall these points presented by the committee seem more like cheerleading than the hard-hitting examination of pro’s and con’s that the committee promised.
