By VASHTI HARRIS
Staff Writer
Monmouth County and Middletown officials joined Arthur E. Imperatore, president and founder of NY Waterway, at the Belford-Middletown Ferry Terminal on Oct. 6 to christen the Betsy Ross, the newest luxury ferry that will serve Monmouth County commuters.
The Betsy Ross was christened by Imperatore’s wife, Dr. Mei Ling Yee. NY Waterway’s newest boat is a 400-passenger vessel that gives residents of Monmouth and Ocean counties direct access to Manhattan. Providing a faster and more luxurious commute, the Betsy Ross will join its sister ferry —Molly Pitcher — which is also a 400-passenger vessel.
“The Betsy Ross just gives residents more availability to transport back and forth instead of taking the transit, which as we know can be a hard commute,” said Monmouth County Director Thomas A. Arnone.
According to a NY Waterway press release, commuters save up to two hours each day, the equivalent of a one-month annual vacation from commuting.
“[The Betsy Ross] is a faster and more reliable commute, plus parking at the Belford ferry terminal is free, which is a service that we have provided for 14 years,” said Patrick M. Smith, NY Waterway spokesman.
The Betsy Ross features luxury amenities that include, WiFi, heated hand rails, flat-screen TVs throughout, tiled restrooms and more.
“This new boat is a testament to the fact that we are committed with NY Waterway to provide transportation for our residents to get them back and forth from New York City so that they can stay in Monmouth,” said Deputy Director of the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders Serena DiMaso.
The Betsy Ross will depart from the Belford-Middletown Ferry Terminal on weekdays from 5:45-9:30 a.m., with return trips leaving Manhattan between 1:30-9:15 p.m. For more information on ferry fares and a more complete Belford/Middletown schedule, visit www.nywaterway.com or call 1-800-53-FERRY.