The Staten Island Ferry carries 22 million people annually and is a significant part of NYC's transportation system, offering a free ride and stunning skyline views. The NYC Department of Transportation maintains its ten-vessel fleet and terminals.
In 1817 the cost to cross the harbor was 25 cents and half price for children. This was the cost to ride the Nautilus, the first steam ferry to make the famous trip. The Nautilus was commanded by Captain John De Forest