Legislature renews permits for Fire Island ferry services after community discussion on schedules and operations

The Suffolk County Legislature approved annual license renewals for Fire Island Ferries, Inc. and Fire Island Water Taxi, LLC after company representatives and community groups described service operations and local coordination.

Tim Mooney, president of Fire Island Ferries, told the Legislature the privately operated company runs scheduled ferry service to eight West Fire Island communities and carries roughly one million passengers annually, with staff and vessel scheduling heavily concentrated during July and August. Mooney also noted the fleet's role supporting local emergency responders during major incidents and said the company is working with community leaders to adjust schedules that better match train connections and to reduce on-dock crowding.

Community representatives, including the Fire Island Association, supported renewal and told the Legislature they are coordinating with the operator on modest timetable changes and improved communications between ferries and local leaders.

Both renewals passed after the public hearings; the County will continue to regulate fares and licensing conditions while the operator and island communities work on scheduling, staffing and peak-period logistics.

Provenance: Public hearing testimony and exchange with Fire Island Ferries (Tim Mooney) and the Fire Island Association (George Hoffman), May 7, 2024 (SEG 1223-1326; SEG 1330-1366).