en.Wedoany.com Reported - NYC Ferry achieved its highest-ever single-day and weekly ridership in the third week of June 2026, surpassing the previous peak set in early August 2025.
Data released by officials from the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) showed that on Saturday, June 20, driven by crowds attending the New York Knicks championship parade on June 18, the ferry's single-day ridership reached 53,375 passengers, setting a new record and exceeding the previous record set on August 2, 2025. The cross-borough system recorded over 260,000 weekly riders from June 15 to 21, surpassing the previous weekly record set in August 2025 by more than 20,000 passengers.
EDC stated that during the Knicks parade, related travel drove approximately 37,000 ferry trips, 48% higher than a typical summer weekday. Jenny Pak, Interim President and CEO of EDC, said this record-breaking week is another sign of NYC Ferry's continued momentum and its importance to New York City's transportation ecosystem. Timothy O’Brien, Senior Vice President of Ferry and Franchise Operations at Hornblower Group, noted that whether celebrating a historic championship run, attending World Cup watch parties, or commuting to work on time, New Yorkers continue to embrace the city's waterways.
EDC officials pointed out that the new record was achieved before the launch of the Rockaway Rocket service, which has historically been a major driver of NYC Ferry's highest ridership days and weeks. The Rockaway Rocket service was operational when the previous daily and weekly records were set last summer. Operators expect further ridership growth driven by the 2026 World Cup, the July 4th weekend, Sail4th 250, and other major summer events.
As part of the 2026 summer ferry service, the Mamdani administration recently announced the return of Rockaway Reserve tickets, which allow passengers to reserve seats on Rockaway route vessels. Passengers can purchase Rockaway Reserve tickets for specific weekends and holidays, available only to those boarding from Wall Street/Pier 11 and Rockaway. In the coming weeks, the Rockaway Rocket will also resume service, offering a fully reserved express service for beachgoers departing from Long Island City and Greenpoint. Non-reserved seating will still be available on every vessel operating on the Rockaway-Soundview route. Both Rockaway Reserve and Rockaway Rocket tickets are priced at $12 per person.
The NYC Ferry system covers 70 nautical miles, operates 38 vessels, and includes 6 routes and 25 stops, making it the largest pure passenger ferry fleet in the United States.
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