James Wong
0:11:35
Cheers, Fabias and Brooks Powers, and members of the economic development and transportation and infrastructure committees.
0:11:41
My name is James Wong, and I serve as an Executive Vice President for the New York City Economic Development Corporation and as Executive Director of NYC Ferrier.
0:11:49
I'm joined by my colleagues for Annie Cibitsano, Deputy Director from the NYC Ferrier team Michelle Lamberti, vice president of legislative affairs in our government and community relations department, along with Ricardo Rodriguez, assistant commissioner of Intergovernmental Affairs at the New York City Department of Transportation.
0:12:06
The New York City Economic Development Corporation works to create a vibrant, inclusive, and globally competitive economy for all New Yorkers.
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Our work is guided by 4 strategic priorities, strengthening business confidence, growing innovation industries with a focus on equity, Building neighborhoods as places to live, learn, work, and play, and delivering sustainable infrastructure.
0:12:27
As part of this mission, EDC oversees the city's passenger ferry system, NYC ferry, which provides New Yorkers and visitors alike with a convenient and affordable transit option connecting communities to jobs, recreation, and each other.
0:12:40
The NYC Ferry system provides more than 7,000,000 riders annually with safe, dependable, affordable, and accessible transit across the Five boroughs.
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With 6 routes that touch every burrow, 25 landings, and 38 vessels.
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The system spans over seventy nautical miles and is the largest passenger only fleet in the nation based on hours of service and fleet size.
0:13:02
We value the council's partnership and support of NYC Ferry, and thank you for the opportunity to testify about our work.
0:13:10
In 2022, Mayor Adams and EDC unveiled NYC Ferry Forward.
0:13:14
A plan to make NYC Ferry more equitable, accessible, and fiscally sustainable citywide.
0:13:19
The plan's main strategies included an expanded discount program for NYC Ferry, expanded outreach to Nigeria residents, easier access for New Yorkers who will be taking bicycles onto ferries, a competitive procurement process for a new ferry operating contract, increased public engagement to improve equity, and creative opportunities for revenue generation to improve financial sustainability.
