NY Waterway Suing US Airways over Flight 1549

NEW YORK, NY [NY1] — Ferry company New York Waterways says it is having trouble staying afloat, and may need to file for bankruptcy protection this year.

This is the same company that came to the rescue when US Airways Flight 1549 landed on the Hudson in January.

The ferry service is so strapped for cash it is filing a lawsuit against US Airways to recoup some of the expenses, including overtime costs, from the rescue of passengers on the flight.

New York Waterway operates ferry service between Manhattan and eight ports in New Jersey. The company also operates some service farther up the Hudson River.

The company says ridership declined 12 percent last month from February of 2008.

Riders who spoke with NY1 said they hope the ferries stay afloat.

“I’ve been taking it for about a year now,” said one passenger. “My ride is very convenient as it takes about eight minutes to get across the water. So I would hope that they don’t go bankrupt.”

“They need to keep going, have these riders come in here,” said another. “I’m just tired of people crying bankruptcy and everything else. They just need to get a grip and get to work.”

New York Waterway says bankruptcy is likely unless the Port Authority or New Jersey Transit buys the company. The Port Authority said in a statement that it has a strong commitment to a healthy regional ferry service, without elaborating on any talks with New York Waterway.