Senator Diane J. Savino (D-I-W North Shore) took exception to yesterday’s Department of Transportation incorrect statement; that the Staten Island Ferry is free. According to the Department, the Ferry costs Taxpayers $4.86 per passenger per trip. There is a significant problem with that statement because it simply isn’t true.

Islanders have to get to the Terminal first, whether you take the train or bus its $5.00 a day, round trip, now admittedly that money goes in the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s coffers not New York City’s. If you drive, to park at the St. George Ferry Terminal $8, municipal lots in St. George $7, monthly permits are now $250 those funds do go directly to New York City. That is 1200 approximate spots just at the terminal, at $8 a day, times 240 average workdays per year, equals $2.3 million. $2.3 million in just parking fees.

Moreover, the Senator’s office was unable to obtain the revenue from municipal lots in St. George, the millions per store in rent in each terminal, the cost of the concession on the Ferry.

However, it certainly seems like the City has itself, in the Staten Island Ferry a revenue maker, not a taker.

Since our express buses were cut in June of 2010 thousands more Island commuters are held hostage and must drive or take a bus to the ferry.

If you walk to the Terminal, which according to Senator Diane Savino’s 2011 survey out of 1140 ferry riders, 125 commuters, almost 11% walked/biked to the terminal; unless they work in the immediate Battery Park City or Financial Districts, they must continue on via subway or Manhattan bus. Either way, the Ferry isn’t free for at least 89% of Staten Islanders

“Lest we forget, Staten Islanders do pay income taxes too, the last thing we need a taxpayer funded City Agency, mistakenly telling the rest of the City we are getting literally a free ride,” stated Senator Savino.

Due to parking and utility fees, property transfer taxes, tolls, and fares Island commuters are in fact, the largest contributors to mass transit funding in the metropolitan region if not the Country. The acknowledgement of how much it costs to make the crossing without taking into account the various rents and fees the City collects due to those making the crossing is disingenuous at best.

Senator Savino noted, “The parking fees and rent collected at the Terminal result in a net gain for the City of New York and directly for the Department of Transportation they would do right to remember that.”

(YWN Desk – NYC)