So many people are taking the new ferries they’re making the boats bigger

The NYC Ferry’s South Brooklyn line has proved so popular with riders that the line will upgrade three of its boats to fit more people.

The Brooklyn Reporter is reporting that ridership on the South Brooklyn ferry line reached 83,500 in June, the line’s first month of operation. Estimates for ridership had been 50,000.

“Due to the unexpectedly high demand, NYCEDC and [ferry operator] Hornblower have committed to adding capacity to three of its 20 boats,” according to the article. “These new boats, officials said, will be outfitted with bigger engines and fit 250 passengers — up about 100 from the fleet’s current 149-passenger cap.”

The NYC Ferry system launched May 1 with the Rockaway line. (Courtesy image)

Last month the city launched the South Brooklyn line, which links Bay Ridge, Sunset Park and Red Hook to Dumbo and Wall Street by boat. The fare costs the same as the subway, and shaved time off virtually every commute from those areas.