This city has a heck of a time selling itself, when it has so many splendid additions occurring daily.
I was treated to a ride on the new NYC ferry service, which runs twice an hour from Soundview to Wall Street @South St, making stops at 34 Street and Wall Street. The NYC ferry is a city-run ferry, charging $2.75 per ride. No, you cannot use your subway metro card. You can buy a ticket from their machines at the landing or use your smartphone and download the app.
The downside: if you are handicapped and cannot climb stairs, you're out of luck. A labrynth pattern of stair spirals takes you from E. 90 to the landing. Having suffered a serious injury 10 years ago (I'm recovered, thanks), I can well appreciate the frustration experienced by those who are mobility impaired. Seriously, its been 22 years since ADA passed. Why couldn't the city throw in a narrow ramp or something alongside the labrynth? The landing at Wall Street is handicapped accessible. However, it lacks directional signs to orient people where to go and how to get there.
Second downside--no concession stands. The cross-street is East End Avenue, which is all residential. A sandwich/snack/newspaper kiosk would do boffo business.
But, otherwise, kudos. The ferry runs twice an hour, seven days a week. It is not a 24 hour service--I believe the last ferry is at 10PM . I am assured there are life-vests stowed throughout the ferry. Riding it was a beautiful experience. The wifi was better than one expect from NYC public transit system. And the experience--a thrill ride. The ferry left promptly, riding swiftly over the waves down to 34Street. The trip was enhanced by a silent video playing on a large flat-screen in the downstairs area. The video promoted visiting green spaces as a health measure. No beggars, acrobats, poets, or musicians strolled through. There is an upper deck, for those who don't mind sun exposure. If you look out one side, you see the Queen's skyline; the other way, the finely honed Manhattan periphery. The passengers were not obstreperous nor abusive.
The ride is swift: My ferry left E. 90 at 11:39AM and arrived at E. 34 St. by 11:53. By !2:07, my East River voyage was over.
Like Dr. Panglass, I must say, we live in the best of all possible worlds, and NYC is the best of all possible cities. Which makes Mayor DiBlasio the best of all possible mayors.