NEW YORK, May 1 (Xinhua) -- New York City has launched its new ferry service with an aim to reduce traffic on streets and subways.
The NYC Ferry service started Monday with a Rockaway, Queens route and the existing East River route. They are two of the six lines that eventually link Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx along the East River.
"A new era begins in New York City," said Mayor Bill de Blasio at the Rockaway dock in Queens late Sunday.
A South Brooklyn route begins on June 1, an Astoria, Queens, route in August, followed by the Lower East Side and Bronx routes in 2018.
An estimated 4.6 million passengers a year are expected to use the ferries, which will cut travel times by as much as two thirds.
A one-way trip will cost 2.75 U.S. dollars, the same as a subway ride and includes transfers. For 1 dollar more, you can bring your bicycle onboard.
All routes have battery-charging stations, concession stands and Wi-Fi.
