New Yorker’s are known as some of the most hardworking people in the world. With our busy schedules and workloads, the last thing we need is a daunting commute. Luckily, for Staten Islanders, officials have taken notice of our desire for a hassle free trip to and from work every day. The improvements will undoubtedly make getting “From point A to point B” less stressful and more enjoyable. Here is a look at the improvements coming to our borough.
(Photo by Lisa Bettany)
The first improvement comes to a service that we are very well known for, The Staten Island Ferry. Chances are, no matter where you live in the city, you have seen one of the bright orange ferry boats make a trip across the harbor.  According to The Staten Island Advance, starting in May of 2015, hour long waits for the boat will no longer plague travelers. Ferry service will run every 30 minutes around the clock. Thankfully, not all service improvements are so far away. Additional weekend service in the evenings and nights is expected as soon as legislation passes. This increase in service is welcome in the St. George community which will see an influx of visitors once the New York Wheel and Empire Outlets open for business.
In addition to the improvements in ferry service, Staten Island Rapid transit is due for an upgrade. The Nassau and Atlantic stations will be replaced by a brand new station named Arthur Kill. Arthur Kill station will be the first new station built in 40 years and will open in two years time. Â A large parking lot with a capacity of 150 will also be built. Wheelchair access ramps, an enclosed pedestrian bridge, and concrete platforms equipped with security cameras, customer assistance intercoms, canopies, windscreens, and benches will be featured. The station adds to the many improvements in the Tottenville section of Staten Island.
(Artist's rendering of new Aruthur Kill Station)
The improvements in train service don’t stop with the new Arthur Kill station. Real-time train tracking tools will be available on smart phones as early as December. Select South Shore train stations will be equipped with the technology which allows riders to access up-to-the-minute arrival and departure information. Great Kills, Eltingville, Annadale, and Huguenot stations will be the first with access with expansion to other stations over time. Similar technology has been successful in the past with the creation of the MTA’s Bus Time service which alerts commuters to bus locations.
So no matter where you are on Staten Island, you can expect your commutes to become easier and easier over the next few years. With the introduction of new technology and construction of convenient new stations, it’s safe to say that future travels will be a breeze. That means you’ll spend less time commuting, and more time focusing on what matters!
Posted by Dil Gillani on
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