Dear Riders,
As we turn the page on 2025, I’d like to highlight a few accomplishments and share exciting updates as the year draws to a close.
This year marked a major milestone for Seastreak: the successful rollout of our new digital ticketing system, making travel more seamless for our riders. This achievement was the result of years of careful planning and testing.
With the new system, customers can now purchase one-way and round-trip tickets online, making purchasing faster and more convenient, with tickets stored in digital wallets for easy access. In addition, we introduced the Seastreak Trip Card, designed specifically for commuter tickets. The Trip Card can be reloaded by riders, and if it’s ever lost, it can be quickly deactivated and replaced, which ensures that customers keep their remaining balance and continue commuting without interruption.
The launch of digital ticketing was no small feat. As the operator of the highest-capacity high-speed commuter ferries in the country, Seastreak faced a challenge that had never been solved in our industry: boarding and digitally validating up to 600 passengers in under 10 minutes.
To make this possible, we began by installing Starlink internet on every vessel to ensure fast, reliable connectivity. We then partnered with a technology provider to develop a custom solution that uses secure RFID validation for quick, reliable boarding. We are incredibly proud of this accomplishment and excited about what it means for the future of commuting.
While digital ticketing marks a huge operational advancement, we are not stopping here. We are already working hard on enhancements, including digital wallet integrations, reservation system improvements, loyalty programs, and other tools (like tap-and-ride, similar to MTA) designed to make your Seastreak experience even better. Our goal is to continue delivering a cutting-edge, best-in-class solution for our valued riders.
If you visited our Atlantic Highlands stop this year, you may have noticed our brand-new ticket office. Opened in spring 2025, the upgraded space features comfortable seating, spacious restrooms, and a wall of flat-screen TVs live-streaming the dock, so you always know when your ferry is arriving. We’re thrilled with this improvement and remain committed to continuing investments in our terminals and waiting areas to make your commute as convenient and comfortable as possible.
Looking ahead to 2026, we have two major projects underway for our Highlands and Atlantic Highlands locations.
In Highlands, we are working through the land use board to gain approval for a full property overhaul. This multi-million-dollar project will include improved parking organization, separate entrance and exit points to improve traffic flow, improved lighting, additional green space, and additional paving.
In Atlantic Highlands, we plan to improve the walkway and waiting area and complete extensive piling work for the harbor landing areas.
On the vessel side, we are excited to announce the purchase of our newest vessel, the Home Run, which was built in 2005 and designed by Incat Crowther. It is similar to Seastreak’s Ocean State and can carry 149 passengers. This vessel was acquired to provide more frequent service to Mets games at Citi Field, serve as a backup boat to avoid service disruptions, and potentially offer additional off-peak service in the early mornings and late evenings. We are thrilled to welcome Home Run to our fleet.
As we look toward the future, our commitment to you remains unwavering. We will continue to invest in technology, infrastructure, and service improvements that make your commute faster, safer, and more enjoyable. Thank you for choosing Seastreak and for being part of our journey.
We look forward to serving you in 2026 and beyond.
Wishing you and your families a joyful and successful year ahead!
Sincerely,
James D. Barker
Vice President