Manhattan-bound Riverdale commuters are pushing for a New York Water Taxi stop in their neighborhood to cut travel time.

According to the Riverdale Ferry Coalition, many residents currently drive to Yonkers and catch the nearest water taxi heading downtown. From there, the commute from Westchester is less than 40 minutes.

"We have an obligation to explore as many ways as possible for people to go to lower Manhattan and midtown Manhattan without driving there, and this is one possibility," said Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz.

He believes water taxi service could be a viable alternative to Mayor Michael Bloomberg's congestion pricing plan, which would increase tolls for drivers entering Manhattan below 86th Street during peak hours.

New York Water Taxi said it can add a Riverdale stop to its Yonkers route. Advocates believe the Spuyten Duyvil section of the neighborhood near a Metro-North station is a good location for a pier.

The Riverdale Ferry Coalition admits the plan is in the early stages. The group estimates the project would cost the city between $5 million and $10 million.

Related information:info@riverdaleferry.com