Coming Early This Summer: Elizabeth Fast Ferry to New York City
ELIZABETH, NJ - After several years of planning, the City of Elizabeth will host a high-speed ferry, taking passengers to New York City in approximately 30 minutes.
Officially announced at the end of February by the Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, the Elizabeth Fast Ferry will be taking residents from the Elizabeth Recreation Pier to Pier 15 at the South Street Seaport in Manhattan.
According to Mayor Bollwage, the ferry has been an idea for the city for over 25 years, but the Elizabeth Destination Marketing Organization has spearheaded the idea into reality since their inception in 2015. Mayor Bollwage also stated he hopes that the addition of this ferry service will not just be another means of transportation, but be a faster commute for residents and add tourism to the city.
“This new Ferry Service will enhance Union County and Elizabeth resident lifestyle with direct convenient access, into downtown NYC,” said Mayor Bollwage. “Pier 15 at the South Street Seaport, the location of the ferry terminal's docking station, will provide convenience to great restaurants and entertainment located just across the street from Fulton Street and one block walking distance to Wall Street.”
As city officials are still figuring out a date for the maiden voyage, ticket pricing of the ferry has not been announced. City officials have confirmed that there will be a shuttle service from Elizabeth’s port to Newark Liberty International Airport. Other amenities are expected to be announced soon.
According to First Ward Councilman Carlos Torres, the ferry, which will be named Klara Ann, has a capacity of 122 riders. Klara Ann will also have heating and air conditioning, allowing it to be functioning all year round. The ship has made its way to New Jersey and is currently being painted.
Councilman Torres also stated that residents are very excited about this ferry coming into town.
“The residents are super excited. When I got the okay to share it on social media, I couldn't believe the overwhelmingly positive responses from our residents,” Councilman Torres said. “There's a lot of residents who travel to New York. It's just been positive feedback ever since I shared the post on social media.”
At the time of publishing, the preliminary schedule has the ship running from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m, starting and ending in Manhattan. The preliminary route will take riders under the Bayonne Bridge, passing the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration and New York’s Governor’s Island.
A website, www.elizabethfastferry.com, will be launching ticket information as it becomes available.
Post by: Tap Into Elizabeth News Online
