WMCBTV: Higher Oil Prices Now Impacting Hudson River Ferry Commutes
- May 15
- 2 min read
From filling up at the pump to commuting across the Hudson - rising fuel prices are continuing to impact everyday life across the tri-state. Now, ferry riders are feeling it too. NY Waterway has rolled out a temporary fuel surcharge, increasing fares by an average of about five-and-a-half percent. The company says the move comes as fuel costs have surged dramatically in recent months, citing tension overseas. Some passengers say the fare increase is yet another financial strain at a time when everyday costs are already high, while others say they’re hopeful gas prices will eventually come back down.
“This is something we see consistently in times of economic crisis and war and I think there’s a time and a point where gas prices fluctuate and right now, unfortunately given the circumstances, gas prices are a little higher,” said Christopher Marra, Fort Lee Resident. “Are they much higher than what we’ve seen in the past? No. They’re about what they were in the 80s. I think everything is reciprocal and we’ll see it come down as we advance and the economy advances and the war comes to an end. I think we’ll see gas prices come back down.”
The fare increase affects commuters traveling between New Jersey and New York City - including many riders who rely on the ferry daily to avoid traffic and crowded trains. And it’s not just ferry operators dealing with higher transportation costs. From gas stations to shipping services, consumers are continuing to see the ripple effects of rising fuel prices in multiple parts of daily life.
“I believe we have the right people in place and they’re going to make the right decisions to get back on track and they’re doing what’s best for us and I have to believe that as an American,” said Christopher Marra, Fort Lee Resident.
New York Waterway says the surcharge is temporary, but officials have not said how long it will remain in place. The company says it plans to continue updating customers as fuel prices fluctuate in the months ahead.
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