Does Roosevelt Island Need Hipster Wannabees Before Getting Ferry Service?

According to the Brooklyn Paper:

The city is sifting through several proposals from ferry operators to shuttle commuters between Manhattan and at least three stops in Williamsburg and Greenpoint, an effort that the city hopes will reduce congestion on the roads and also on the overloaded G and L trains.

One thing Roosevelt Island has in common with Williamsburg and Greenpoint is horrendous congestion at our F train subway stop during rush hours and frequent disruptions at other times. Does Roosevelt Island need hipsters and wannabees living here before any attempt is made to reduce this congestion? Particularly with the prospect of the Roosevelt Island Tram being out of service for a prolonged period of time in the not too distant future, alternative transportation options are essential for Roosevelt Island residents.

More:

Water taxi companies are chomping at the bit to cash in on the population explosion in Williamsburg and Greenpoint, the city says. More than 27,500 new housing units will be developed by 2013 — all “within easy walking distance from existing or potential new ferry landing sites,” according to the document the city sent out to the ferry companies.

The year-round ferry service would make at least one round-trip every half hour during morning and evening rush hours, with less-frequent service during off-peak hours and on the weekends. Most of the cost would be borne by the private companies, but the city is offering some incentives, including building “ferry landings and related infrastructure,” according to the EDC request for proposals.

An East River ferry service that includes stops at 96th and 76th street as well as Roosevelt Island is certainly as worthy and necessary as the Greenpoint/Williamsburg route despite the absence of hipsters and wannabees.

Image is from Pedicab Blog.