Rockland County Executive Ed Day and the Rockland County Department of Public Transportation announced the launch of the TOR Weekend Ferry Connection bus service, set to begin on Saturday, July 6th. This new bus route is designed to enhance transit options for Metro-North Hudson Line passengers and local residents, connecting them to various destinations and attractions throughout Rockland County.
The TOR Weekend Ferry Connection bus service will provide seamless transit for customers traveling to Haverstraw via the Haverstraw-Ossining Weekend Ferry. This initiative will facilitate continued travel beyond the ferry landing and offer Rockland residents an efficient way to explore Westchester and New York City via Metro-North trains from Ossining.
This service is part of a pilot program for the Haverstraw-Ossining Weekend Ferry, which commenced on May 25th and will run through November 10th. The TOR Ferry Connection will operate on weekends only, synchronizing with each ferry’s arrival and departure at the Haverstraw Ferry Landing.
The bus service will offer a variety of stops, including:
- Downtown Haverstraw: A mile from the ferry landing, offering access to local shops and dining.
- Village of West Haverstraw: Home to the Garner Arts Center.
- Rockland Lake State Park: Located in Valley Cottage on Route 9W.
- Downtown Nyack: A vibrant town with cultural and recreational opportunities.
- Palisades Center Mall in West Nyack: Featuring a bus stop at Macy’s and access to the Commuter Parking Lot.
County Executive Ed Day expressed enthusiasm for the new service, stating, “Rockland County is happy to be able to host visitors from around our region, who are able to use the new Haverstraw-Ossining Weekend Ferry Service to travel to Rockland. With the TOR Weekend Ferry Connection bus service, those visitors now have a way to travel from the Ferry Landing to the various destinations and attractions Rockland has to offer.”
Rockland County Legislature Chairman Jay Hood Jr. echoed this excitement, noting, “This is the perfect time to launch this new service – with summer in full swing and so many opportunities to enjoy our Hudson River waterfront, arts centers, restaurants, shops and more. This effort means visitors can leave their cars at home but still have a reliable way to visit the many cultural, recreational, and historic landmarks that help make Rockland County the special place we all love.”
Doug Schuetz, Acting Commissioner of the Rockland County Public Transportation Department, highlighted the swift implementation of the service, saying, “We are pleased that our Department was able to work quickly to put the TOR Weekend Ferry Connection into place. Thanks to the hard work and efforts of our staff and bus operator, and with operating assistance funds from Metro-North, TOR can now provide this valuable service.”
Lucy Redzeposki, Director of Economic Development and Tourism, emphasized the benefits of the new route, stating, “This new bus route combined with the weekend ferry service offers visitors and residents a convenient option to explore Rockland’s unique tourism assets. Expect the unexpected in beautiful Rockland County!”
Village of Haverstraw Mayor Michael Kohut also praised the new service, “The Village of Haverstraw is thrilled that the County of Rockland has recognized this opportunity to promote tourism along the Hudson River provided by the start of the weekend ferry service. Now those from the east side of the Hudson can have the chance to explore Rockland’s river communities at their leisure and Rocklanders can enjoy the opportunity to explore Westchester and beyond via Metro-North.”
The TOR Weekend Ferry Connection will operate 26 trips per day on weekends, with 13 southbound trips to meet ferry arrivals and 13 northbound trips to meet ferry departures at the Haverstraw Ferry Landing. Service hours are from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. The service is fare-free and provided in partnership with Metro-North Railroad, the Rockland County Department of Economic Development and Tourism, and the Village of Haverstraw.
For more information and to sign up for free Transit Alerts, visit www.rocklandbus.com. For trip planning assistance, call the Transit Information Center at (845) 364-3333, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.