NEWBURGH, NY — Amid ongoing transportation challenges in the Hudson Valley, Orange County’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board representative James O’Donnell has proposed offering a free shuttle bus service to replace the suspended Newburgh-Beacon Ferry. But even he questions whether the demand still exists.
Declining Ferry Use Sparks New Proposal
O’Donnell, a former MTA Chief of Police and current Orange County legislator, was appointed to the MTA Board in June. In his short tenure, he’s already begun raising concerns about the declining commuter use of the Newburgh-Beacon connection.
According to MTA data, the Newburgh-Beacon Ferry averaged just 62 riders per day last year — a sharp drop from its 2008 peak of 250 daily users. O’Donnell said a similar decline in usage is evident with the Newburgh-to-Beacon weekday shuttle bus, which sees limited ridership.
“If they want to bring the ferry back, they have to find a way to use it,” said O’Donnell. “Anyone who commutes is going to utilize the best way to get to their job. Why have 200 people stopped using the ferry? Why aren’t they coming back?”
Free Bus Service Floated as Alternative
In an effort to offer a cost-effective and potentially more practical option, O’Donnell proposed a free bus shuttle service between Newburgh and the Beacon Metro-North Station. He pitched the idea to MTA leadership last month and is awaiting a response. He also plans to engage Newburgh city officials for feedback.
The ferry, operated by NY Waterway under contract with the MTA since 2005, was indefinitely suspended in March following damage to the Beacon dock. Since then, the cross-river link has left many commuters in limbo.
O’Donnell emphasized that any transportation solution — whether ferry or bus — needs to be guided by actual usage, not sentiment. “For $2 million a year, you have to show it is being used,” he said.
Ferry Shutdown Faces Backlash
The indefinite suspension of the ferry has sparked backlash among local leaders and residents. Congressman Pat Ryan (D, NY-18) and other elected officials have strongly opposed the shutdown. This week, the Orange County Legislature passed a resolution criticizing the decision to eliminate the ferry service.
Ryan highlighted the minimal impact of the ferry’s cost on the MTA’s overall $20 billion annual budget. “Two million dollars is just 1/100th of 1 percent — in other words, it’s one penny out of $100,” he said, arguing that the benefits of keeping the ferry service outweigh its expense.
Still, O’Donnell questions whether low ridership numbers can justify continued investment, especially in a post-pandemic world where commuting patterns have drastically changed.
“Some people say it’s an advertising issue, but I don’t agree with that,” O’Donnell added. “Something fundamental has changed. Either people stopped working, found new jobs, or found better ways to commute.”
Next Steps for Commuter Transit in the Region
As the MTA continues evaluating the future of cross-Hudson transit, O’Donnell’s proposal introduces a new angle: investing in flexible, no-cost alternatives that meet today’s commuting realities.
Whether that means reinstating the ferry with renewed efforts or shifting entirely to a free bus model remains to be seen. For now, all eyes are on the MTA’s next move — and whether it will reflect changing commuter behavior or stick to traditional solutions.
One thing is clear: for Orange County’s commuters, reliable and efficient transportation remains a pressing concern.
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