No matter how lousy your commute was today, it could’ve been worse.
East River Ferry service at Greenpoint terminal was shut down after a ramp fell into the East River about 9 a.m., the Daily News reported.
Councilman Stephen Levin issued the following statement:
While I am thankful that no one was harmed during the ramp collapse, it is deeply troubling that lives were put at risk this morning. The East River Ferry is an important transportation option for an underserved community in Greenpoint, but residents need to have complete assurance that their trip will be a safe one. This incident must be fully investigated and ferry service cannot resume until we have full knowledge of what caused the ramp to collapse and until this important safety issue is solved. I have been in touch with the NYC Economic Development Corporation and will be in close conversation with them as they investigate what happened this morning in Greenpoint.
Several commuters had crossed over the walkway mere moments before the plunge.
Meanwhile in Manhattan, a woman was truck by a B train at the Broadway-Lafayette station, Gothamist reported. She was injured but alive when she was taken to Bellevue Hospital around 10 a.m.
Update: State Senator Daniel Squadron chimes in with a statement about the ramp collapse:
While I’m grateful that no one was hurt, this morning’s ferry ramp collapse in Greenpoint raised a number of safety concerns that I hope NY Waterway and the EDC will quickly investigate so this vital service can be restored.
I also urge NY Waterway and the City to work together to immediately provide an alternative means of transportation for the many Greenpoint residents and businesses who rely on the ferry. Greenpoint is already drastically underserved when it comes to public transit, and a shutdown of ferry service only exacerbates the problem. A shuttle bus to the nearest ferry stop would go a long way for the community.