Hey...I just found out about all of this..can someone fill me in?!  Has there always been a ferry and everyone is looking to expand their service??
 I've lived in Manhattan for a while and have just started looking into the possibility of living in Rockaway.  Although I'm not totally familiar with the area and it's a new idea, I assumed it would be taking the A train or something of the sort. During my research I came across this .....  Adding more trips/times would be the key.  I know I would often be in Manhattan until later evening hours with my schedule ( I work in real estate and often need to work into the evening).
Expanding the schedule would make things a little more flexible for everyone and I KNOW would push me further to the idea of moving out!  
I agree that more advertising is needed!  I do believe many people would take advantage of this ferry if only they KNEW about it!

Good News...The Rockaway Ferry was back in service this afternoon, October 2, 2008 and will resume operating on the regular schedule tomorrow morning.  Again we apologize for any inconvienscience it may have caused you.  Thank you for your patience.

Hi - I'm one of the many who would use the ferry if the hours were right. My usual hours are generally 8am - 6pm. In the morning,  5:45 gets me there WAY too early - public transportation is cheaper and I can still get an extra hour's sleep. In the evening - I can make the 5:30 boat maybe once or twice a week if I am lucky. I think if there was a 6 am and an 8 am boat, you might get a few more people. In the afternoon, a 4p.m. and a 6 p.m. boat would make it easier for a lot of people as not too many people int he financial district leave at 5pm on the dot anymore. My opinion - you change the hours slightly and you will see increased ridership. Just my 2 cents.

It's so great that this ferry exists, but there are no realistic return times for those of us who do not have bank or market hours.  Can we lobby in support of the folks who do not have 8-4 or 9-5 jobs?  I know times are tough, but it seems that just one more in the evening would make the ferry a realistic route for a lot more people... and the MTA hikes and cuts will make it even that much more attractive.  
 
I know there have been earlier posts on this topic - has there been any movement?  To whom should we appeal for increased service?

Great idea, I love forums for updates.  I'll be visiting often!