Faster ferries, more trains and a free bus route: Changes are coming for Brooklyn commuters

By Brooklyn Magazine Staff

There are a number of changes coming to how Brooklynites get around, including an expanded ferry service, a temporary free bus route and improved service on the Long Island Rail Road.

First up, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced Monday that the MTA is testing a “fare free” bus pilot across the city with one eligible route in each borough. Beginning in late September, the B60 bus that operates between Williams Avenue in Carnarsie to Williamsburg Bridge Plaza will be free for a trial period of six to 12 months.

Routes were chosen for a variety of reasons including ridership levels, the amount of fare evasion and “equity for low-income and economically disadvantaged communities,” the state said. Ultimately, the goal of the test is to provide improved transit equity to riders that might not be able afford it.

“This pilot program for free ridership on the B60 will give or local residents some financial relief as expenses continue to skyrocket on everything from groceries to services,” said Assemblymember Nikki Lucas, who represents East New York. “I am hopeful that this pilot program can become permanent for seniors and low-income members of my district.”

Also coming this fall are adjustments to the LIRR. Riders were angered when the number of Brooklyn stops was reduced in favor of sending trains to the recently opened Grand Central Terminal.

Beginning September 5, more direct service will be added between Brooklyn to Far Rockaway, Long Beach, Hempstead and Huntington lines during the morning rush. And a new afternoon train (3:32 p.m., to be precise) is being added between Atlantic Terminal and Jamaica.

Those changes come as ridership data indicates that “more riders are traveling to Brooklyn from these stations, so we want to make sure they’re offered more direct trains to Brooklyn,” the MTA said.

Lastly, earlier this year the NYC Ferry said it will be expanding its morning rush-hour service to afternoons. Effective Monday afternoon, the ferry’s South Brooklyn route from Wall Street/Pier 11 will skip some stops from Manhattan, cutting the commute time by about 20 minutes.

The changes are in response to “ridership growth” during the morning commute, NYC Ferry said. Officials say the updates will make the ferry “more time-competitive with bus, subway and other local transit options during all typical commuting hours.”

Speedier service begins at 3:30 p.m. and lasts until 8.