Staten Island Ferry riders will be able to enjoy food and drinks on board for the first time since the start of the pandemic in 2020. Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez on Tuesday announced a request for proposals (RFP) for vendors interested in selling food and drinks, including alcoholic beverages, on the Staten Island Ferry. Proposals are due by March 7, with the new concessions expected to be in operation by the fall.
“There are few better feelings than taking in the Manhattan skyline from the Staten Island Ferry with a cold beverage in hand,” Rodriguez said.
“It’s a 25-minute trip, and commuters should be able to conveniently purchase coffees, snacks, and other items while they’re aboard. We look forward to working with NYCEDC to select this operator and drive new revenue for the city as it continues its economic recovery.”
The selected operator will run the concession areas for 10 years with the option for the NYC Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) to extend the lease for two additional five-year periods for a total of 20 years.
NYCEDC will select proposals based on several criteria, including their experience in the field, financial capabilities, and the types of products and services they plan to offer. If respondents choose to offer beer, the city is encouraging they sell local beer from local craft breweries in Staten Island and Manhattan.
Refreshments have been available at the St. George and Whitehall terminals, but there have been no vendors on the ferry boats since the start of the pandemic.
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