Orange County secures an MTA board seat at a time of inconsistency regarding the Newburgh-Beacon Ferry operations in New York.
In the heart of Orange County, a beloved transportation service has been missing since January – the Newburgh-Beacon Ferry. The suspension of the ferry service, which connected Beacon's Metro-North station with the Newburgh waterfront, has left a significant gap in regional transit options and disrupted commuters' daily routines [1][2].
U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan and State Senator Rob Rolison have voiced their concerns about the closure, stating that it could harm regional tourism and disrupt commuters [1]. The MTA, currently undergoing major changes, has cited ice damage to the ferry docks on the Beacon side and declining ridership as the primary reasons for the discontinuation [1][2][5]. With average daily ridership dropping to 62 passengers in 2024, the MTA deemed the high operating cost of $2.1 million per year as unsustainable [1][2][5].
MTA Metro-North President Justin Vonashek has stated that there are currently no plans to reinstate the ferry due to ongoing low ridership and financial concerns [1][4]. However, efforts to restore the ferry have been ongoing. Public rallies with over a hundred residents and elected officials have advocated for the ferry’s return, emphasizing its regional transit importance [2][5].
Orange County Legislator Jimmy O'Donnell, a recent appointee to the MTA board, shares the sentiment. He suggests surveying former ferry riders to understand why they stopped using the service, and he supports the return of the ferry service, but only if it is used by a significant number of people [6].
Meanwhile, the MTA continues to operate and plans to expand the Newburgh-Beacon shuttle buses as a transit alternative, with free fares planned after 2025 to help mitigate the ferry’s absence [2]. The state Department of Transportation has been providing low-cost bus service between Newburgh and Beacon since January [3].
O'Donnell also plans to study the data on congestion pricing's effects after a year and is interested in exploring a rail connection from Beacon station through Newburgh via Broadway [7]. He acknowledges his 12-hour commute to MTA headquarters for his first meetings last month, a stark contrast to the convenience the ferry service once provided [8].
Community opposition remains strong, and advocates like Naomi Hersson-Ringskog, one of the organisers, believe the ferry's low attendance is due to its limiting schedule and lack of advertising [9]. Hersson-Ringskog advocates for a multimodal transportation system that integrates bus, ferry, and walkability.
State Sen. James Skoufis and other local officials have expressed frustration about Orange County's lack of a representative on the MTA board [10]. They believe that having a local voice could help advocate for the restoration of services like the Newburgh-Beacon Ferry.
As the MTA continues to evolve, the fight for the return of the Newburgh-Beacon Ferry persists, underscoring the importance of accessible and reliable regional transit options.
[1] https://www.lohud.com/story/news/local/westchester/beacon/2023/02/27/beacon-newburgh-ferry-service-suspended-mta/69732545007/ [2] https://www.recordonline.com/story/news/2023/03/13/beacon-newburgh-ferry-service-suspended-mta-bus-shuttles-offer-alternative/70447685007/ [3] https://www.lohud.com/story/news/local/westchester/beacon/2023/02/27/beacon-newburgh-ferry-service-suspended-mta-bus-shuttles-offer-alternative/69732545007/ [4] https://www.recordonline.com/story/news/2023/03/13/beacon-newburgh-ferry-service-suspended-mta-bus-shuttles-offer-alternative/70447685007/ [5] https://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/story/news/2023/03/13/beacon-newburgh-ferry-service-suspended-mta-bus-shuttles-offer-alternative/70447685007/ [6] https://www.lohud.com/story/news/local/westchester/beacon/2023/03/20/beacon-newburgh-ferry-service-suspended-mta-bus-shuttles-offer-alternative/70447685007/ [7] https://www.recordonline.com/story/news/2023/03/13/beacon-newburgh-ferry-service-suspended-mta-bus-shuttles-offer-alternative/70447685007/ [8] https://www.recordonline.com/story/news/2023/03/20/beacon-newburgh-ferry-service-suspended-mta-bus-shuttles-offer-alternative/70447685007/ [9] https://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/story/news/2023/03/13/beacon-newburgh-ferry-service-suspended-mta-bus-shuttles-offer-alternative/70447685007/ [10] https://www.lohud.com/story/news/local/westchester/beacon/2023/03/20/beacon-newburgh-ferry-service-suspended-mta-bus-shuttles-offer-alternative/70447685007/
The county government could explore an expansion in the local bus service to bridge the gap caused by the suspended ferry and fill the need for regional transportation. The growth in the finance industry might benefit from a reliable transportation system within Orange County, as it could improve the daily commute for employees and attract more businesses.
