Ballyhoo Media Win 10-Year NYC Ferry Contract

Adrian J Cotterill, Editor-in-Chief

Ballyhoo Media, the largest waterway media company in the US has announced a 10-year ferry transit advertising agreement with the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and the New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT).

While most out-of-home advertising focuses on land-based assets, Ballyhoo Media is redefining the space by expanding its innovative waterway media to transit systems like Staten Island Ferry and Washington State Ferry. Building on the success of its digital boats in Miami, Ballyhoo is partnering with these culturally integral transit systems to modernize them with impactful, large-format advertising.

“This partnership gives brands a fresh way to connect with New York City audiences in unique, uncluttered spaces,” says Tyler Zlatin, CRO of Ballyhoo Media. “It’s unlike any other commute in the City. Passengers enjoy a 30-minute journey surrounded by breathtaking waterfront views. With limited OOH options in Staten Island, this advertising program is one of the few ways brands can reach an engaged, captivated, and affluent audience.”

Running 24/7, 365 days a year, the Staten Island Ferry serves as a vital link for both commuters and tourists, offering seamless transportation across New York Harbor along with breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline.

“We’ve thoughtfully curated hundreds of new advertising assets across our ferries and terminals, creating valuable opportunities for brands and budgets of all sizes to engage with Staten Island Ferry passengers,” said Helen Roldan, Communications Director for Ballyhoo Media. “Staten Island is home to one of the largest commuter ferries operating on a single route. By reaching this distinct audience, we are expanding our waterway media offerings and tapping into one of the most sought after DMAs in the nation.”

In addition to the ferries, this partnership grants Ballyhoo Media exclusive advertising rights within the terminals of this essential transit network. Serving 22 million passengers annually, the Staten Island Ferry connects the borough’s transit system to the rest of the city. The St. George Terminal links with the Staten Island Railway and NYC Bus services, while the Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan provides seamless connections to the NYC subway and the Financial District, reinforcing the ferries’ role as a vital transportation hub.


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