Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, former Borough President Guy V. Molinari and Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Iris Weinshall today rode the Guy V. Molinari on its inaugural ride from Staten Island’s St. George Terminal to Manhattan’s Whitehall Terminal.  The vessel has completed its Coast Guard mandated sea trials and goes into service today.
 
“Today is a great day for transportation in New York Harbor,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “The state-of-the-art Molinari is now in service and will join her sister ships in transporting the people of Staten Island to work, school and around town everyday.  The Staten Island Ferry system is one of the most important transportation methods that the City has, and it and its riders deserve first-class boats. The Guy V. Molinari, is named for one of Staten Island greatest work horses and I know this ferry will serve the people of Staten Island with the same determination, spirit and enthusiasm that Guy did for decades”

“There is no greater honor for a citizen of Staten Island than to have a ferry boat bearing their name,” said Former Borough President Molinari.  “I am delighted that it is beginning service today and am eternally grateful to Mayor Bloomberg for making this possible.”

The $40 million vessel can carry up to 4,500 passengers and was built by Manitowoc Marine Group in Marinette, Wisconsin. The boat traveled from Wisconsin to Staten Island in September of 2004 and was welcomed by hundreds of friends and former constituents of the former Staten Island Borough President it was named for. Two more boats are under construction and are expected to be in use by the fall of 2005. 

The Guy V. Molinari is equipped with the latest in marine technology including radar, collision avoidance, communications and GPS navigation systems. The pilothouses are fully equipped to monitor and control all vital on-board systems and have been designed to meet the unique operating requirements of New York Harbor. The boat is equipped with four high-speed rescue boats that are outfitted to allow for rapid deployment.

“The debut of the Guy V. Molinari represents the future of the Staten Island Ferry,” said DOT Commissioner Weinshall. “We have made great strides towards modernizing the ferry system and now that the Molinari is in service, the Staten Island Ferry has truly begun a new era.  This new vessel – and its two sister ships - boast an unprecedented level of technology and marine innovation.”

“I am delighted that Mayor Bloomberg has seen fit to honor former Borough President Guy V. Molinari by naming this ferry boat after him,” said Staten Island Borough President James Molinaro.  “It is a fitting tribute to a man who worked hard for all his life for the people of Staten Island.” 
 
The Staten Island Ferry transports 65,000 passengers a day on the five-mile ride between St. George Terminal on Staten Island and Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan.  The boats operate 24-hours a day, 365-days a year and have been a vital municipal service since 1905.