"The next bill before me today is Introductory Number 636, sponsored by Council Members McMahon, Oddo, Lanza, Liu, Nelson and Speaker Miller. This legislation provides for increased service on the Staten Island Ferry and repeals Local Law 11 of 2005.

"Intro. 636 provides for more late night, early morning and weekend service on the Staten Island Ferry. The Department of Transportation (DOT) will add three additional weekdays ferry runs and provide additional weekend service within eighteen months. In addition, DOT will provide bimonthly passenger demand updates to the Mayor and the Council for the next 12 months. New passenger counters in the redesigned ferry terminals will not only make this reporting possible, but will also enable DOT to fine-tune their schedule. With this new law we are able to offer a practical plan for service expansion that meets the most pressing commuting needs of Staten Islanders.

"I would like to thank DOT Commissioner Iris Weinshall and her staff for their work on this bill. I would also like to thank the Council, particularly members of the Staten Island Delegation for their tireless advocacy on behalf of the transportation needs of the people of Staten Island and for shepherding this bill through the legislative process."