MTA Unveils Transformative Project: New Routes Link Orange and Rockland Counties to NYC

By Rockland Daily Staff
In anticipation of the forthcoming congestion pricing initiative set to launch on June 30, Governor Kathy Hochul has unveiled a groundbreaking pilot program aimed at bolstering accessibility to New York City for residents of Orange and Rockland Counties. The initiative focuses on enhancing the reach of the MTA Metro-North Railroad as a viable alternative to driving into the city.
Under this pilot program, Metro-North will introduce weekend service on the Haverstraw-Ossining ferries for the first time ever, a move expected to significantly ease commuter congestion. The ferry service, which traditionally operated solely during weekday rush hours, will now run continuously from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on weekends, starting Saturday, May 25.
Furthermore, substantial discounts will be offered on monthly UniTickets for various modes of transportation, including ferries and buses crossing the Hudson River. These discounts will range from 78 percent to a staggering 90 percent, making commuting more affordable for residents of Orange and Rockland Counties. Additionally, parking rates at Metro-North's garage in North White Plains will be slashed by 25 percent for commuters from these areas.
This comprehensive pilot program marks a significant step towards creating a more efficient and sustainable transportation network, ultimately benefiting commuters and the broader community alike. As congestion pricing approaches, initiatives like these demonstrate a proactive approach towards addressing the evolving transportation needs of New Yorkers.