Good evening Ferry Supporters! We wanted to share this news with you as soon as possible as it is important information for commuters and riders of public transportation in the area, particularly as the ferry replacement shuttle bus service is due to terminate on December 31, 2025. It has just been publicly released that starting January 2, 2025 there will be expanded shuttle bus service between Newburgh and Beacon via Leprechaun Lines. The service will be free for 2026. The official press release can be found here: Better Transit in the Hudson Valley: Governor Hochul Announces Enhanced Newburgh-Beacon Bridge Shuttle to Commence in 2026 and the new timetable is attached to this email. This announcement from Governor Hochul and NYSDOT represents a major milestone and WIN that reflects the efforts of so many across our region. We’re gratified that the key asks with regard to interim shuttle service are being delivered weekdays with a 60% increase in connections by bus, with way-finding and real stops, at no charge. Through the efforts of all of us, and a major push from Congressman Pat Ryan, the Governor and her team have heard us and we thank them for it. We have more to do, especially with regard to route adjustments, ensuring complete ADA compliance, and new way-finding at Beacon Station. Crucially, we are not done with the work to Save our Ferry. Ferry users know that a cross river connection is the fastest and most reliable means for commuters and visitors alike. While we applaud the shuttle service upgrades while recognizing that exponential increase in traffic on and off the Newburgh Beacon bridge does and will continue to extend commute times, especially in the evenings. We look forward to continuing to work with the Governor’s team and NYSDOT on the restoration of ferry service in 2026 with the ultimate goal of true multimodal connections that provide reliable service to the dynamic and rapidly growing Mid-Hudson region and our remarkable cities and towns. We’ll be in Albany on the West steps of the Capitol Tuesday, December 16th to deliver your 1,700+ petition signatures as well as over a hundred signatures from local businesses, cultural and community originations, urging the Governor to Save the Ferry. Reach out if you’d like to come along and check back for updates as we journey to Albany! And if you haven't already, please sign the petition here: Save the Ferry. and please share it with friends, family, co-workers, acquaintances, everyone! Every signature counts!