October 6, 2026 A trip across the East River is about to hit your wallet harder. Starting Oct. 19, NYC Ferry riders face yet another fare increase as officials attempt to shore up the system's heavily criticized budget.

Whether you rely on a single ticket or rely on bulk passes, your daily commute cost is going up. Here is a complete breakdown of the changes, who gets impacted the most, and the one surprise discount expanding to local students.

The New Fares: What Changes on Oct. 19

The price hike touches almost every ticket tier across the NYC Ferry network:

• Single One-Way Ticket: Increasing by $0.10, moving from $4.90 to $5.00.

• 10-Trip Pass Bundle: Increasing by $1.00, moving from $29.00 to $30.00 (breaking down to $3.00 per ride).

• Reduced Fare Ticket: Increasing by $0.05, moving from $1.45 to $1.50 for single trips.

For frequent commuters buying the 10-trip bundle, the per-ride cost matches the standard $3.00 fare of an MTA subway or bus ride. Meanwhile, the $15 two-day reduced-fare pass will remain unchanged and become a permanent option for eligible riders.

Reduced-fare pricing remains available to seniors aged 65 and older, riders with disabilities, and low-income New Yorkers enrolled in the Fair Fares program.

Why Are Fares Going Up Again?

The price adjustment follows a previous rate hike in 2024. Overseen by the Economic Development Corporation (EDC), the ferry system has faced years of scrutiny over the heavy municipal subsidies required to keep boats running. Last year alone, taxpayers chipped in $8.33 in per-rider subsidies for every journey.

City officials maintain that adjusting the base price is necessary to keep the system financially viable while balancing operational costs.

Even with this newest increase, ferry travel remains significantly cheaper than other premium transit routes in the city—costing $2.25 less per trip than an MTA express bus ($7.25).

New Relief for Middle School Students

The fare increase is paired with an expanded discount program targeting younger New Yorkers. Starting this fall, middle school students in grades 6 through 8 enrolled in public, private, or charter schools can access reduced-rate tickets.