New NYC Ferry service moving along

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NEWS) - Full service is now in effect for the new New York City Ferry. The ferry was christened Sunday with the traditional breaking of a bottle of champagne before it set sail on a ceremonial trip from Queens to Manhattan. Regular service for commuters from the Rockaways to Manhattan began on Monday.

The Urban Journey carried 121 passengers and four crew members for the first trip at about 5:30 Monday morning. The commuters paid $2.75, just like the subway, and were treated to fantastic views.

The boat is fitted with a concession stand, bike rack, and comfortable seats for working commuters. After push-off, the boat made its way through Jamaica Bay, Rockaway Channel, and Coney Island Channel. Then it passed under the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and stopped in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, to pick up more passengers. Then it headed to Manhattan, showing passengers the Brooklyn Bridge and the Lower Manhattan skyline Wall Street.

Right now, the boats run every half hour in both directions and on the weekends. You just swipe your MetroCard or pay via the app to ride.

The city estimates some 4 million people will use the boat annually once it is fully operational in 2018.

The mayor said dependable ferry service for people in the Rockaways was long overdue.

"This morning, we christened urban journey. Tomorrow this ferry will connect the Rockaways to all the opportunities our city has to offer,” he tweeted.

The mayor continued on Twitter, “They’re beautiful ferries- state of the art. I hope New Yorkers will enjoy riding them and getting off the roads this new era.”