New York Waterway ferries are running on a modified schedule between New Jersey and Manhattan after U.S. Coast Guard inspections forced the commuter ferry to take some boats out of service.
"New York marine inspectors determined the 23 ferries had damage or discrepancies significant enough to warrant suspension of service," the Coast Guard said in a statement issued on Sunday. "So far, two of those vessels have been reinspected and returned to normal operations."
The problems were part of a trend spotted during the Coast Guard's annual inspections, but the Coast Guard would not specifically say why the ferries were taken out of service.
New York Waterway operates 32 ferries. By Sunday afternoon, the Coast Guard noted that eight vessels had been approved to return to service. The company offered these details about its Monday service:
Monday morning commuters were frustrated by the delays and what they said was poor communication about the changes.
We will forward your feedback to the proper departments. Thank you and we apologize for any confusion you encountered.
— NY Waterway (@ridetheferry) November 25, 2019
@ridetheferry where is the Harborside to Midtown ferry?
— Billy Mitchell (@madmadpenguin) November 25, 2019
Your alert says it’s on the regular schedule - but we’re all just waiting out here
And there are delays:
@DianaRoccoABC7 @ABC7NY @mcharlesworth7 @KenRosatoABC7 @ridetheferry
— SB (@paris24122) November 25, 2019
Longest line this morning waiting for the ferry to midtown. Definitely need extra time this morning pic.twitter.com/ly3bqbH6Pz
"The safety of the public is our top priority, and we expect our ferry operators to uphold the highest standards," said Capt. Jason Tama, commander of Coast Guard Sector New York, in a statement. "We know many people rely on these ferries for daily commutes, and as these discrepancies are rectified, we will work with New York Waterway to return these ferries to operations as quickly as possible."
New York Waterway is hoping things get back to normal for the evening commute
The @USCG takes several NY Waterway ferries out of service due to safety issues. 10 minute delays on Weekawken to Midtown route. A spokeswoman says they expect to have close to normal service for the afternoon rush. @ridetheferry @wcbs880 pic.twitter.com/8AL9OusPJK
— Marla Diamond (@MDiamond8) November 25, 2019