Q&A
Racial demographics of NYC Ferry ridership
2:01:39
·
50 sec
Council Member Stevens inquires about the racial demographics of NYC Ferry riders. James Wong from EDC provides data on non-white ridership and discusses diversity trends on specific routes.
- EDC reports that about 35% of ferry riders identify as non-white.
- Higher percentages of non-white riders are observed on routes like SoundView and Barry Pointe Park.
- Stevens questions why the overall percentage of non-white riders isn't higher, suggesting a potential accessibility issue.
Althea Stevens
2:01:39
Have you ever done a study on the race of the folks who are riding the ferry?
James Wong
2:01:44
When we do a survey each year, we do look at Mhmm.
Althea Stevens
2:01:47
So let's talk talk to me about what that breakdown looks like.
James Wong
2:01:50
Sure.
2:01:50
So when we look in when we look throughout the system, I'm at 35.
2:01:56
It's about 35% of our riders identify as non white.
2:02:01
There are higher percentages of non white.
Althea Stevens
2:02:03
Why do you think that's the case if you're looking at these numbers?
2:02:07
Because then if we're doing a study, then we're, you know, doing a survey.
2:02:10
What are we doing for?
2:02:10
Why do we think that's the case?
James Wong
2:02:12
One of the things that we've seen is that, in fact, we have a greater proportion of of riders who identify as non white for our most consistent routes.
2:02:21
So places like SoundView and Barry Pointe Park where we've seen increased diversity.
2:02:26
We've also seen a more committed ridership base that has been one of the things that we've