Ferry frustrations mount as Monmouth County threatens to terminate NY Waterway contract
County officials agreed in September to replace Seastreak with NY Waterway for ferry service from Belford Marina.
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NY Waterway has been given 30 days to improve ferry service out of Belford or risk losing its contract with Monmouth County.
County Commissioner Director Thomas Arnone told NJ.com the company must meet all contractual obligations within 30 days beginning Nov. 1 or the agreement, signed in September, will be terminated.
The warning follows growing frustration from ferry riders. A petition signed by 500 commuters calls for service improvements and urges county officials to return to Seastreak, which previously operated from the Belford terminal.
Concerns have mounted since Monmouth County switched operators. Riders and county leaders have complained about service issues, including delays affecting commutes into New York City.
The scrutiny also comes weeks after a NY Waterway ferry struck a pier while departing Belford, shattering glass on the vessel's lower level and forcing some passengers to move upstairs as the ferry continued to Manhattan. The Coast Guard is investigating that incident.
