It's the end of the line for the Rockaway Ferry. The service started as a way to help those on the Rockaway Peninsula commute to Manhattan after Hurricane Sandy and is being shut down now that subway service has been restored—but many say it's still needed. NY1's Lori Chung filed the following report.
The last ferry from Manhattan arrives in the Rockaways to shouts from outraged commuters.
"It's a travesty that this is being taken away," said rider Christine Puma.
"We got hit with Sandy. This is the only gem that we got after Sandy. The people ride the ferry. We got plenty of ridership," said rider Danny Ruscillo.
That's the reaction on the last day of ferry service to the Rockaway peninsula—a service the city started after super storm Sandy knocked out the a train bridge. With the subway now running though, the city says there's no room in the budget for the ferry.
"They gave us the ferry specifically to help us out. We're a long way from being done. We need a lot of help out here," said John Cori of Friends of Rockaway Beach.
The ferry was only meant to be a temporary fix to give residents access to mass transportation after the storm. City officials say it costs taxpayers $30 per ride to keep it going. Still, residents say access remains a problem.
"It's either the a train which I don't take. I take the express bus into midtown. So it's about two hours," said rider Linda Washington.
"What a concept in this town to be able to enjoy your commute and to cut it in half, so it's not just a convenience," said rider Eileen O'Neil.
Many are now coming up with a new commute plan, but residents say they'll keep up the pressure on the city to have the ferry restored.
"It's a necessity. It's not a luxury, and I think that City Hall doesn't get that," said Rider Vinnie Hopknis.