Commuter chaos on S.I. Ferry

A “significant” number of Staten Island Ferry workers didn’t show up to work Wednesday, Mayor Adams said, hinting that the cross-harbor chaos was the result of a job action amid fraught union negotiations.

Boats would run every hour in each direction from 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday until at least 5 a.m. on Thursday, Adams said. The deadline would depend on enough crews and captains being available for the morning rides. Service could be even worse if ferry crews and captains continue to stay out. Service is normally scheduled to run every 15 to 20 minutes during peak periods and every half hour at all other times.

“I’ve never seen this many people,” said Staten Islander Danielle Madeena, who was stuck in lower Manhattan after work and opted to pay $100 for an Uber ride. “I’d like to go home.”

The city Department of Transportation has over the summer cut some overnight service on the ferry due to crew shortages — but Wednesday was different. Rush-hour commuters were stranded at the Whitehall and St. George terminals.

City officials offered free rides between Manhattan and Staten Island on smaller NYC Ferry boats and directed commuters to take the MTA’s express buses to get home.

“A significant share of our Staten Island Ferry workforce did not report to work today,” Adams said.

“Helping New Yorkers travel between Staten Island and Manhattan safely and efficiently is priority No. 1. We strongly encourage New Yorkers and visitors to seek alternatives to the ferry.”

The ferry service woes come as contract negotiations have stalled between the city and the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association, which represents Staten Island Ferry workers.

The union’s most recent contract expired in 2010.