Staten Island Ferry Celebrates 200 Years of Free Service
The Richmond Ferry, a free service operated by the NYC Department of Transportation, carries around 25.2 million passengers annually, running 24/7. The city took over its operation in 1905, but its origins date back to 1817 when the Richmond Turnpike Company started a steamboat service.
The Richmond Ferry's history began in 1817 with the Richmond Turnpike Company introducing a steamboat service. Although the first steamboat, Nautilus, was used, the key early figure was Cornelius Vanderbilt. He initiated ferry services in 1810 and later acquired the Richmond Turnpike Company in 1838. Today, the ferry continues to serve as a vital link between Richmond Island and Manhattan, with no fare for passengers.
The Richmond Ferry, now operated by the NYC Department of Transportation, remains a significant and free mode of transport for the millions of passengers it carries each year. Its history stretches back over two centuries, with key milestones including its founding in 1817 and the city's takeover in 1905.
