How a trucking magnate turned a bankrupt waterfront into a vital New York lifeline

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Founded in 1986 to revive Hudson River transit, NY Waterway evolved from a private ferry startup into a critical regional infrastructure pillar. Beyond daily commuting, the company has served as a primary emergency responder during major crises, including the September 11 attacks and the 2009 emergency landing of Flight 1549.

The origins of NY Waterway trace back to 1981, when trucking magnate Arthur Edward Imperatore, Sr. purchased 2.5 miles of derelict waterfront in Weehawken, New Jersey, from the bankrupt Penn Central for $7.5 million. His vision was to transform the brownfield site and restore ferry service across the Hudson River. By 1986, the company launched its inaugural route between Weehawken Port Imperial and Midtown Manhattan. Over the following decades, the network expanded significantly, though it faced severe financial instability after the September 11, 2001, attacks, when the destruction of the PATH terminal initially surged demand before a subsequent decline in ridership nearly forced the company into bankruptcy.

The company's role in regional emergencies has been profound. During the 9/11 attacks, NY Waterway vessels transported an estimated 150,000 people, providing a vital evacuation route when other transit systems collapsed. In 2009, the company gained international attention for its role in the rescue of passengers from US Airways Flight 1549, which ditched in the Hudson River. Captains Vincent Lombardi and 19-year-old Brittany Catanzaro were credited with helping ensure all aboard survived. These efforts cemented the ferry service as a fixture of New York's resilience, even as the company navigated complex legal and operational challenges, including civil fraud settlements and ongoing disputes over its maintenance facilities.

Today, the company operates under a public-private partnership model, collaborating with agencies like the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and New Jersey Transit. While it continues to provide essential commuter links, its history is marked by controversy, including allegations of environmental violations and intense friction with local municipalities over land use. Despite these tensions, the company remains a central component of the region's transit landscape, recently securing federal grants to modernize its fleet by converting vessels from diesel to hybrid power, signaling a shift toward more sustainable maritime operations.

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