New Yorkers looking to escape the city bustle have a new option for getting to Governors Island starting tomorrow. The “Harbor Charger,” a hybrid-electric public ferry hailed as a first in New York State, is setting off from the Battery Maritime Building in Lower Manhattan and promises a swifter journey than its predecessors. According to PIX11, the new ferry can cut travel time by as much as 66%, translating to more time for visitors to enjoy the island’s amenities.
A project that cost $33 million dollars to complete, the Harbor Charger was announced as the newest addition to the city’s ferry fleet, offering environmental benefits alongside operational efficiency. This ferry is set to replace the diesel-powered Lt. Samuel S. Coursen, a vessel that has served New Yorkers since 1956. The newer boat not only promises to be faster but also more eco-friendly, leveraging a diesel-electric propulsion system expected to cut carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 600 tons each year, according to a statement obtained by AMNY.
Gov. Kathy Hochul has touted the new ferry as a “game-changing” addition to the city’s transportation network, urging both locals and tourists to take advantage of this “cleaner, greener” travel option. The Harbor Charger is designed to hold up to 1,200 passengers and 30 delivery vehicles. Round-trip tickets will cost $5, though it’s free for seniors over the age of 65 and children 12 and under, as per AMNY…