REMARKS
Amanda Farías introduces the hearing on NYC Ferry's finances and operations
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Council Member Amanda Farías, the majority leader of the New York City Council and chair of the Committee on Economic Development, introduces a joint hearing to examine NYC Ferry's finances and operations.
She outlines the main objectives of the hearing, including assessing progress since 2022, examining the implementation of NYC Ferry Forward, and discussing recent developments.
- The hearing aims to evaluate progress on addressing concerns raised in the 2022 Controller's audit.
- They will discuss the implementation of Local Law 47 of 2023, which expanded the ferry discount program to include high school students.
- The committee seeks to understand EDC's plans for expanding and improving NYC Ferry service while ensuring fiscal responsibility.
Amanda Farías
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Good morning.
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Today is September 10 2024.
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My name Amanda Fettias.
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I'm the majority leader of the New York City Council, and I have the privilege of chairing the Council's Committee on Economic Development.
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I would like to extend my thanks to my cochair majority whip and chair Selvina Brooks Powers as well as the members of both committees for coming together to hold this hearing.
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We've been joined by council members Ariola, Nazis, Lewis, Banks, Archer, Dela Rosa, and Avila's.
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I'd like to start off by saying that I enjoy the ferry.
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I write it myself, recommended to my constituents, and find it a convenient way to get from my district to Manhattan and other parts of the city.
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The purpose of today's hearing is to take a deep dive into New York City Ferry's finances and operations, and to better understand the progress made since our last oversight hearing in 2022.
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We want to examine the implementation of NYC Ferry Forward, assess the projected impact of the new discount discounted fare structure for students and discuss the recent developments of Hornblower's contract in light of their bankruptcy.
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We would like to use this hearing as an opportunity to evaluate the progress made in addressing the concerns raised in the 2022 Controller's audit, particularly regarding financial insperacy and cost reporting.
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We aim to understand how EDC plans to further expand and improve NYC Ferry Service while ensuring fiscal responsibility.
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Specifically, we want to of the contract with city experiences and its implication for NYC's ferry operations and finances.
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We're interested in understanding how EDC is working to increase ridership, reduce per rider subsidies, and integrate the ferry system with other city transportation options.
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We also want to explore EDC's emergency preparedness measures and the ferry systems environmental impact.
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Furthermore, we'll discuss the implementation and impact of local law 47 of 2023, which expanded the New York City ferry discount program.
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To include high school students.
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Local of 47, which I sponsored, ensures that all of the city's public high school students are eligible for the same reduced price fare as seniors, disabled persons, and anyone eligible for fair fair.
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We're keen to hear about the program, its pilot, current implementation, and any challenges so far in its rollout since it took effect last week on September 1st.
