Dear Editor:
I’d like to respond to the letter you published from the Quality of Life Coalition concerning the increased fares on NY Waterway. First, what is this group and where were they when the subway fares skyrocketed? Do they address other quality of life issues or just NY Waterway? Their assumption seems to be that the decision on whether to take the PATH will be primarily based on cost. I think that issues of safety and comfort will play important roles in that decision, as well. The ferry is a delightful way to commute. I suspect that the ride across the Hudson is the highlight of most people’s workday. The recent increase in fare costs me 60 cents a day – hardly a budget breaker.
I have been riding the ferry regularly since about October 1, 2001. At first it was like being evacuated from Dunkerque every day, but now we have comfortable boats and reliable schedules. I would suggest that when the temperatures start dropping into the 20’s, people bundle up, walk to the PATH and note their comfort in an 80 degree PATH car. Next day, take the ferry and compare. No contest. The trip across on the outdoor deck in summer should be experienced by everyone.
Something I have been trying to push out of my mind, but can’t, is how will I react to being delivered into the bowels of Ground Zero. Am I alone in dreading that? I’ve already decided that my first trip will be on the weekend just in case I just want to turn around and go home (probably by ferry). I am happy that I have options, and I understand that others don’t. I understand that reopening of the PATH will make commuting much easier for many people on both side of the Hudson. But I’m sticking with the ferry.
Alan Sommerman