The Orange County Legislature on Aug. 14 unanimously approved a resolution opposing the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s decision to terminate the Newburgh–Beacon ferry service.

Legislator Luhan, who sponsored the resolution with bipartisan support, said the ferry’s removal will reduce transportation options for a region with persistent unemployment and that the county has long sought expanded ferry hours and fare changes. “Instead what we’re getting is less for more money,” Luhan said, adding that losing the ferry “is going to impact our community” by making access to jobs harder for residents.

Legislator Ramos, who has been in contact with the MTA, told colleagues she did not see plans to restore the ferry and said MTA appears to be focusing on expanding shuttle service instead. “From the conversations I’ve had, it doesn’t seem like they are planning to bring the ferry service back,” Ramos said.

During public comment, Tracy Wallace of Newburgh described the ferry as a “lifeline” for residents with disabilities who relied on same-day, accessible transit to reach jobs, family and services in Beacon. Wallace described paratransit alternatives as slow and cumbersome, saying they can require multiple transfers and more than an hour of shuttle time just to reach a single bus connection.

Legislators framed the measure as nonpartisan and urged the MTA and state officials to reconsider. The resolution passed by voice and roll-call votes and will be delivered to MTA representatives and state officials; Legislator O’Donnell, the county’s MTA board representative, was asked to carry the county’s message to the MTA.

Discussion vs. decision: The legislature’s action was a formal resolution of opposition; it does not compel MTA to restore service but expresses county policy and requests that the MTA reconsider or restore ferry routes.

What advocates say: Supporters urged restoration of the ferry and expansion of service rather than a sole reliance on shuttle buses. Disability advocates highlighted that paratransit’s 24-hour notice requirement and multi-transfer shuttles limit same-day access and full participation in community life.

Vote: The resolution passed (16 ayes).