Staten Island Ferry riders can soon expect less crowding while getting on board.
During a press conference at the St. George Terminal, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced riders will be able to board from the lower level at both ferry terminals starting in September.
As part of a pilot program, passengers traveling from St. George will have the extra boarding option from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. weekday mornings.
The change will always be in effect at Manhattan's Whitehall terminal.
"This is one piece of the whole puzzle of what we're doing with the ferry," de Blasio said. "We know it's not only going to be about people's comfort. It's going to help the boats stay on schedule, to make sure people can move along much more easily, particularly when they're getting on."
"This is an important and vital link for us. So any way we can improve that service is really key," said Staten Island Borough President James Oddo.
The Department of Transportation says it is still studying how best to handle crowding.
Seventy thousand people ride the Staten Island Ferry every day.
The mayor is spending the week on Staten Island for the first stop of his "City Hall in Your Borough" tour.