Rockaway ferry riders holding out hope

From the Daily News:

Rockaway ferry riders were forced to face the bleak reality about the money-losing service during a town hall meeting with city officials Tuesday.

But the numbers did not diminish hopes for the ferry's continued survival past its slated July 1 termination date.

"Is the ferry perfect? No, but we're all working together to make sure we don't lose it," said Ellen McCarthy, 47, an attorney and local advocate for the ferry.

Deputy Mayor Howard Wolfson explained to the packed room of riders at the Belle Harbor Yacht Club how the city was subsidizing nearly $20 per passenger trip on the ferry. Wolfson noted this was a far cry from the 56 cents per subway ride the city provides in subsidies for each straphanger.

"The clear metrics that were established to determine whether or not this would be a success have not been met," Wolfson said.

Another ferry rider suggested the service is eligible for $1 million in federal aid known as the Urbanized Area Formula Program, or "5307 funding" - an idea Wolfson was receptive to.

"The city is entitled to that money," he said later. "But the money goes from the federal government to Albany, where it sits."

An official from the Federal Transit Administration - an agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation that oversees the 5307 funding - said the grant money may go only to repairing the docks used by the ferry, and not the ferry itself, as it is privately owned by New York Water Taxi.