GLEN COVE - Ferry service from Glen Cove has started as an option for commuters during the Long Island Rail Road's "Summer of Hell."

It's the first time in more than a decade that two ferries are motoring to Wall Street's Pier 11 and the East 34th Street dock, giving LIRR riders a transit choice during the Penn Station renovations.

On the larger, 34th Street-bound boat, about 60 commuters settled in for the 6:35 a.m. departure and immediately started commenting on the view.

"It's a lot more civilized way to get to the city," said Mike Galloway, of Sea Cliff.

"It's like a staycation," added Brooke Sameyah, of Brookville.

The ferry arrived at the East 34th Street dock in about 1 hour, 25 minutes. Some commuters ran for taxis afterward, while others boarded a shuttle bus. There turned out to be no free bus transfer offered by the MTA, disappointing passengers. Some opted to walk to midtown since the closest subway was five blocks away.

The MTA later said that it would cross-honor bus fares for Glen Cove ferry riders starting Tuesday morning.

It took News 12 Long Island's Andrew Ehinger just over two hours total to make it from Glen Cove to the Empire State Building.

Even though the MTA-funded ferry is just temporary through September, Glen Cove city and other officials would like to make a ferry option permanent.