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parades were not enough, the Red Bull air race, Macys fireworks, last years Quadricentennial of Henry Hudsons visit, Fleet Week and the arrival of the USS New York, were highlights in the port. Passenger ves- sels benefitted from increased oppor- tunities for charters, dinner cruises, sunset sailings and sightseeing for the events. The NY/NJ waterway has reached “unprecedented visibility” according to Tom Fox, founder and advisor to New York Watertaxi. He cited five governmental agencies that are seri- ously studying the growth and expan- sion of ferry service including the NYC Economic Development Commission, the Office of Emergency Management, the Port Authority of NY/NJ, NYC Planning Commission, and the National Parks. Fox said he eagerly awaits NYCs East River Ferry Service scheduled to begin in 2011. This year, the ferry eyes of the world were focused on New York/New Jersey port, as the Interferry Conference came to New York, a change from Istanbul, a year ago. To emphasize Foxs view, USCG Sector NY reports 60 million people utilize the NY/NJ ferry system annually. Arthur E Imperatore Jr., NY Waterway President reported the region is recovering and NY Waterway ferry ridership has rebounded to 30,000 daily passenger trips. Imperatore stated, “NY Waterway has held the line on fares and taken other steps including expanded free bus service to address customers’ price sensitivity.” While looking forward to an improved 2011, Imperatore mentioned how visibility of the New York harbor increased as customers on the 90 Minute Harbor Tour remain interest- ed in the details of the “Miracle on the Hudson,” in which NY Waterway ferry crews rescued 143 of the 155 passengers on Flight 1549, the most www.marinelink.com MN 33 MarineNews Yearbook Passenger Vessels 2010
