Giving up on the Water Taxi, again

So while we were away, IKEA/NY Water Taxi changed their rules and reduced the number of boats -- something they said they wouldn't do until September. So now on weekedays, the boats depart every 40 minutes, shuttling up to 71 passengers per trip. Priority is given to people who say they've shopped at the store (as there was no verification process when I was turned away yesterday afternoon.)

It's a free service, so it's hard to complain. But the real problem is that you can stand at the dock for 40 minutes, having no idea if you'll get on -- even if you've just bought a slew of Ikea goods. (A dozen Ikea shoppers were also turned away from the 4:20 boat yesterday.)

And of course if you miss the boat, it's a big deal. It means an extra 40 minutes for a shot at the next free ferry to Manhattan, or walk to the front of the Ikea store and board a bus that will take you to the subway. The Ikea buses -- also free -- run every 15 to 20 minutes (though the one I boarded was nearly full, so no telling how often you need to wait for a second bus.) Or take the MTA's B61 or B77, which are slaves to the usual whims of all MTA buses.

Here's the picture of the unhappy passengers getting turned away from the dock, and below, my twitter account of the scene,(which should be read from the bottom up.)



Ikea bus just dropped me off behind Boro Hall, abt 55 mins after i first walked up to Water Taxi dock about 17 hours ago from mobile web

BTW, no one checked for ikea stamps or receipts. Im now on the ikea bus to boro hall, skedded to leave in 15 mins. No receipt requested about 17 hours ago from mobile web

14 people got turned away including a dozen customers w kids. Next boat; 40 mins about 18 hours ago from mobile web

Ikea security guy showed up as the boat arrives to create the line for customers only. No line for non customers "stand outside" he says about 18 hours ago from mobile web

NYPD cop says she thinks there are 71 spots on the boat tho she knows nothin bout the stamps. Boats every 40 mins now so i may be screwed about 18 hours ago from mobile web

im at ikea hoping to get 4:20 boat to manhattan. Abt 50 people here, not really a line. No ikea staff, just an NYPD gal about 18 hours ago from mobile web

Labels: brooklyn, pictures, red hook

- posted by Amy @ 7/26/2008 09:47:00 AM