On 20 June 2024, UNDP organized an “SDG Local Solutions” webinar with representatives from New York City and Venice who shared insights into their unique water-based public transport systems.
Both cities have designed public transport systems based on water ferries, in the case of Venice, water is the only transport option as the city is an island with many canals. In the case of New York, ferries were an innovative option to profit from the rivers that surround Manhattan, also an island.
Moving people by water has advantages but also challenges in terms of accessibility, environmental sustainability, impact on people’s lives, and logistics.
Both cities highlighted the innovative approaches they are taking to improve their public transport systems with the unique advantages of water-based transport: connecting people with their natural surroundings, reducing travel time, and providing faster, more reliable, and enjoyable commute options.
You can see the recording of the video below in English. Also available with Spanish, French, and Italian subtitles in our Youtube Channel.
New York City Ferry: sailing towards a sustainable future
New York City Ferry (NYC Ferry), the entity that operates the ferry system, is overseen by the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC). It provides a crucial alternative to the city’s extensive subway and bus networks, particularly for residents living near the waterfront. Launched in 2017, NYC Ferry has been a significant addition and complementary service to the city’s public transport system.
Challenges on the horizon
Despite the overall success of NYC Ferry, several challenges persist in ensuring its continued operation and growth. Is crucial to address them for the system to remain efficient and beneficial to the community.
- Accessibility and costs: ensuring that the system is accessible and financially sustainable is a constant challenge. The fare structure and the need for subsidies are critical aspects to address.
- Environmental sustainability: the current operation of the fleet with diesel engines poses a challenge to the environment. Finding cleaner and more sustainable technologies is a priority, but also faces infrastructural and technological limitations.
- Logistics and operations: coordinating and improving the efficiency of the service, especially during peak hours and special events, requires constant management and improvement.
- Integration with other public transportation services in New York is crucial to creating a seamless and efficient travel experience for users.
Charting solutions and achievements
Innovative solutions have been implemented to address the challenges faced by NYC Ferry. These initiatives highlight the city’s commitment to improving water-based transportation.
- Anchoring operations: NYC Ferry operates year-round with six main routes and several seasonal ones, connecting all five boroughs. The fleet includes 38 purpose-built boats and 25 landings, serving approximately 7 million riders annually.
- Reshaping fare structures: the base fare was increased to $4, with discount bundles and reduced fares for seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income residents. This structure aims to balance fare revenue without losing ridership.
- Eco-friendly voyages: the fleet primarily operating on diesel is exploring decarbonization strategies. NYC Ferry is actively investigating electric and hybrid technologies, though implementation faces challenges due to existing infrastructure limitations. Participating in global groups for best practices helps to identify new and innovative solutions.
- Engaging the community: NYC Ferry emphasizes community engagement and accessibility, offering real-time schedule updates and aiming to integrate open-loop payment systems for greater convenience.
- Creative financial initiatives: Innovative advertising campaigns, such as themed boats, have been used to generate additional revenue and attract more riders
Venice mobility: navigating historical waters
The Venice Mobility Agency‘s operations highlight the city’s reliance on water transport as the sole public transport method. Venice’s intricate canal system and historical significance present unique challenges and opportunities for its public transport system.
Challenges amidst the canals
Venice faces several unique challenges due to its historical and geographical context. Addressing these challenges is vital for maintaining an effective water-based transport system.
- Accessibility: balancing the needs of residents and tourists while ensuring non-discriminatory services for all types of users.
- Environmental regulations: strict regulations on hydrogen and methane use limit the adoption of certain green technologies.
- Tourist influx: Venice’s small resident population is vastly outnumbered by millions of tourists, creating a need for efficient management of transport services to cater to both groups.
- Preserving infrastructure: maintaining and upgrading the fleet to meet modern standards while preserving the historical and cultural integrity of Venice poses significant logistical and financial challenges.
Innovative solutions and outcomes
To address its unique challenges, Venice has implemented several innovative solutions, showcasing its commitment to sustainability and efficiency.
- Priority access: implementing a priority boarding system for residents to manage tourist influx.
- Fleet overview: Venice’s fleet comprises 140 boats and ferries operating on 27 different lines, serving both residents and tourists.
- Green navigation: investing in new boats with low-emission engines and retrofitting older vessels. The agency is upgrading to stage 5 diesel engines.
- Hybrid technologies: full electric solutions are impractical due to battery weight and charging time issues, so the focus is on hybrid systems with onboard generators to balance power needs and environmental goals.
- Modernizing accessibility: Venice implements is developing advanced digital services for ticketing and real-time information. Investments in info-mobility aim to improve service reliability and customer satisfaction.
- Digital payment services: the launch of secure ticketing solutions on platforms like WhatsApp and open-loop payments with credit cards have enhanced user convenience.
- Training and maintenance: significant investments in staff training and the maintenance of boats through in-house shipyards ensure operational efficiency and safety.
You can see their presentation here
LESSONS LEARNED
Both New York and Venice face common challenges in their efforts to provide effective water-based public transport. These include balancing accessibility, affordability, and environmental impact, which are crucial to ensure equitable service for all users while minimizing ecological footprints. Additionally, managing the logistical complexities of public transport, especially in densely populated and historically intricate areas, poses significant operational hurdles.
Both cities also must respond to peaks in demand due to tourism while ensuring reliable service for residents. Advancing technological solutions within regulatory and infrastructural constraints is another shared challenge. Lastly, ensuring financial sustainability and reducing subsidies remains a constant concern, necessitating creative financial strategies to maintain and enhance these vital transport systems.
However, their approaches are shaped by their unique contexts:
- NYC’s diverse transport network: NYC Ferry operates as a complementary service within a broader, diverse transport network. The focus is on enhancing waterfront connectivity and providing a pleasant commuting experience, leveraging community outreach and technological advancements
- Venice’s water-based legacy: Venice’s public transport system is inherently water-based, catering to both residents and tourists. The agency prioritizes operational efficiency and environmental sustainability within regulatory constraints and innovative solutions to manage the high tourist influx
Moving by water offers an enriching commuting experience, connecting individuals to their environment and often reducing travel times while providing a reliable mode of transport. The webinar underscored the importance of local solutions in addressing global challenges. Both NYC and Venice demonstrate how cities can innovate and adapt to provide sustainable and accessible public transport. Despite differing contexts, their efforts contribute significantly to the broader goals of the SDG agenda.