MTA Announces New Direct East River Ferry Service Plan for Impending L Train Shutdown

The proposed ferry route between North Williamsburg and Stuyvesant Cove
The proposed ferry route between North Williamsburg and Stuyvesant Cove
Photo: bklynr

With the L-train shutdown approaching in April 2019, the City is scrambling to find alternative methods for locals to cross the East River between Williamsburg and the East Village. The latest plan revealed by the MTA at a Community Board 1 meeting earlier this week is a direct ferry route between North Williamsburg and Stuyvesant Cove, with shuttle buses to minimize walking on the Manhattan side.

…during rush hours (which have yet to be defined), the plan is to run 8 boats per hour in each direction—one every 7.5 minutes. With a capacity of 149 passengers per boat, that means up to 1,200 riders an hour in each direction between Brooklyn and Manhattan. That’s equivalent to about 22 standard buses (but only 1 L train).

Transfer to the ferries will be integrated with the M14 and M23 SBS routes, which will provide crosstown bus service on 14th and 23rd Streets in Manhattan. Riders will transfer at a temporary bus stop at Stuyvesant Cove, located at 20th Street and Avenue C.

Matt Coneybeare

Matt Coneybeare

Editor in Chief

Matt enjoys exploring the City's with his partner and son. He is an avid marathon runner, and spends most of his time eating, running, and working on cool stuff.

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