New Yorkers who rely on NYC Ferry will soon be paying more to travel across the city’s waterways, with a new round of fare increases set to take effect on October 19.
The cost of a standard one-way NYC Ferry ride will increase from $4.50 to $5, a 50-cent hike and an increase of more than 11%.
The price of a 10-trip pass will also rise, increasing from $29 to $30. That works out to $3 per trip, matching the current base fare for New York City subways and buses.
Discounted one-way fares will increase slightly, from $1.45 to $1.50.
The New York City Economic Development Corporation, which oversees NYC Ferry, approved the increases Wednesday. Officials cited rising operating and fuel expenses and said the additional fare revenue would help offset the growing cost of running the system.
The fare hike is expected to generate approximately $2 million in additional annual revenue.
At the same time, the city is making permanent the unlimited two-day ferry pass that was introduced as a pilot program in late 2025. That pass will remain priced at $15.
The city’s Ferry Discount Program has also been expanded to include all New York City middle school students. Eligible seniors, people with disabilities and qualifying low-income New Yorkers can also receive the reduced fare.
The increase marks another significant jump in the cost of NYC Ferry service. When the system launched in 2017, a single ride cost $2.75. The fare later increased to $4 and then to $4.50 in September 2024. Beginning October 19, that same ride will cost $5.
Despite the higher prices, NYC Ferry has continued to see strong ridership. More than 7 million passengers use the system annually, and the ferry broke its single-day ridership record multiple times this past summer.
The system remains heavily subsidized by New York City taxpayers. The subsidy, which approached $11 per passenger during NYC Ferry’s early years, has fallen to approximately $8 per rider as fares and ridership have increased.
The new fares take effect Sunday, October 19.
(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
