NY Waterway adds Belford ferry trips after riders push for service changes

Well, those who take the ferry out say New York Waterway needs to do more to make for smooth sailing out of Monmouth County. And this morning, riders in Belford are going to see some changes to their commute. News 12 New Jersey's Tony Caputo is at the terminal this morning with what riders can expect, Tony. And New York Waterway was kind of put on notice by the county, if you will, to make changes, make improvements after they had signed them to a contract to take over for C Street back in early October. Now, the beginning was rough, no doubt about it. There were about 500 people. who signed a petition demanding improvements and change and wanted the county to back that up. The county did just that. Now New York Waterway says it is indeed responding, making some changes that begin today. They're beginning with this 515 ferry that's getting ready to take off. 5:15 AM ferry on Monday mornings that folks can now grab. As a matter of fact, we just spoke with a woman just before she got on the ferry And she said she is... Very happy with this change to 5:15. Now, New York Waterway will also add an additional trip on Monday evening, 6:15 p.m., departing Pier 79. Another change beginning today is a new 6.20 a.m. departure time, which will replace the 6.30 a.m. time that many complained did not get them into the city. On time, let's hope that extra 10 minutes will make a difference. Of course, safety has also been a concern. Following the accident in early October, in which the Molly Pitcher Ferry struck the pier while leaving Belford, cracking many windows on board. Now, the ferry continued into the city, but since then, there have not been any reported safety issues. Now, New York Waterway told riders when it was awarded the contract earlier this year to once again be the ferry provider out of Belford. It was basing its contract on the fact that it... Did run the ferry out of Belford from 2002 to 2022, but there's a lot going on now, changes, and a lot of construction in the city and on the water itself that kind of made them have to make these adjustments. They were going on the old schedule. It wasn't working out. That made some riders unhappy, but coming up at six, you'll hear from a woman who is very happy. With New York Waterway and the money she says she's saving since the county changed the contract to New York Waterway from C Street. You'll hear from her at six here on News 12, New Jersey. That's the latest from Belford. Tony Caputo, News 12, New Jersey.