February 07, 2007

Odd rules for new Statue of Liberty ferry bidders

The exclusive contract to ferry visitors to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is going out to bid for the first time in 18 years, but it doesn't look like the competition will bring about any overhaul of the sevice, according to the New York Times.

The National Park Service is requiring any new bidder to buy the seven old ferries from the current operator, Circle Line, for about $18 million. Those ferries, which billow smelly smoke across the top deck as tourists watch for the approaching islands, date as far back as 1954.

Circle Line's current contract expires March 31.

While 5.5 million people visited the islands in the last full-year before Sept. 11, 2001, the figure for 2006 had only rebounded to 4.2 million. The islands were initially closed after the terror attacks. In August 2004, Liberty Island finally reopened its museum and a bit of access into the statue and its pedestal. However, if you go, make sure you know the tricks to visiting the Statue of Liberty.

Earlier: Fire safety keeping Statue of Liberty's top closed
Circle Line adds cruises, but LaGuardia ferry on hold
Statue of Liberty Circle Line Ferry in hot water - Sun

February 7, 2007 09:37 AM in Downtown, History, Museums, Tours

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