Bay Ridge and Sunset Park residents rallied Thursday at the Brooklyn Army Terminal's Pier 58 to keep water taxi service sailing.
New York Water Taxi is ending service from the pier to Manhattan. Residents say they'll be forced to drive, which will lead to congestion and pollution.
Supporters have submitted a petition with 1,500 names to transit officials. They say they're working on a second petition to keep the service running. In addition to restored service, riders want bus service added to make Pier 58 more accessible.
The water taxi company suspended East River service from Williamsburg Jan. 1, citing rising fuel costs and low ridership.
"I know the money is there," says Councilman Vincent Gentile, who helped secure $500,000 for the company in 2004 with help from Councilman David Yassky. "We're asking the mayor to show these riders the money."