Q&A
Technological improvements and integration with other public transportation
0:45:21
·
160 sec
EDC officials discuss technological improvements being implemented for NYC Ferry and efforts to integrate the service with other public transportation options.
- New features include onboard WiFi and real-time information about available seats on vessels
- The NYC Ferry app is being updated with new functionalities to enhance user experience
- EDC is working to improve connections with nearby bus services, such as coordinating bus stops closer to ferry landings
Amanda Farías
0:45:21
Okay.
0:45:21
And are there any technological improvements being considered in the new RFPs such as mobile ticketing enhancements or real time tracking systems?
James Wong
0:45:29
Yes.
0:45:30
So we've started to roll out a lot of great feature upgrades that riders are starting to see out in the world, and we're really excited about that.
0:45:38
So when people are able to log on with WiFi onboard vessels, like that is a huge upgrade particularly if you're on a longer commute that takes you all the way out to the rockerways or to Saint George or to the or to the Bronx, So things like that are really important.
0:45:51
Also, we are beginning the rollout of technology that actually allows you to know about how many seats are available on a vessel.
0:45:58
If you are a morning commuter and you are making a decision about whether or not you should go towards the water, to get on this vessel or if you should walk another direction knowing about how many seats are on board is a really important aspect that we've been really pushing.
0:46:11
So that is just starting to roll out, and we see that these technologies are really going to be great advantages in the future.
Amanda Farías
0:46:18
That sounds like a wonderful enhancement for those folks that you don't wanna end up on the opposite ends and not having a boat there or a seat there.
0:46:27
So that's appreciated.
0:46:28
I'd like to also acknowledge you've been joined by council members, Brandon Salamaka, and Gutierrez.
0:46:35
How is the EDC working to integrate NYC Ferry with the other public transportation options in the city such as buses, subways, or, like, in my district, the East Scooters?
James Wong
0:46:47
So I think that a lot of what we have focused on has been making sure that where there are services that are nearby, that we do whatever we can to make it as as easy for people to use multiple things as possible.
0:46:59
So as we saw when we were standing up there in at Class Endpoint, yes, those scooters are right there.
0:47:05
We also had a bus that came in and made the loop, and that was something that we EDC actually worked with MTA on to make sure that a bus wasn't stopping four blocks away, but actually came into the park and made that loop, which makes a lot easier for customers to make connections like that.
Amanda Farías
0:47:21
And how's the ferry system impacted local businesses near the ferry have there been any adverse effects on commercial rim prices?
0:47:29
Are we tracking any or analyzing any data like that?
Franny Civitano
0:47:35
We don't track that type of data.
0:47:38
I think we have a lot of total stories of ways that especially Hornblower has worked to build out a community outreach program, support, and promote local businesses.
0:47:49
We hear from them like, oh, we love the ferry, you know.
0:47:52
We want people to come from the ferry to our businesses, but we don't have really specific analysis.
0:48:00
Okay.