The Edgewater Ferry Landing opened a little over a year ago and, despite a fare increase in February, seems to be going strong, officials said.

The ferry launched in March 2007 for the first time in the borough in about 50 years.

There was some controversy before its opening because Bergen County Open Space funds were used for the Marina project, which didn’t originally include the ferry. The county decided that the complex still maintained open land along the Hudson River and prevented having another condominium or retail development, so it was allowed to proceed with the public funds.

Edgewater Borough Administrator Gregory Franz said the ferry’s usage seemed to peak in October with about 16,000 riders and has leveled off since then.

"Hopefully with the warm weather it will get back up," he said.

He said officials from NY Waterway, the ferry’s operating company, said there seems to be a decline at all the area’s ports.

"So the economy could be having an effect," Franz said. "They suspect with the job losses on Wall Street they’re seeing less travelers."

But Franz hopes the warm weather will bring out people who like to enjoy a walk along the river in the morning.

Robert Samarelli, a ferry ticket agent, said he sees a steady stream of passengers, usually running down the platform just before a boat departs.

"It’s like an early morning workout for them," he said. "Everyone’s in a rush, it’s that New York lifestyle."

Samarelli said that if he commuted to New York City he would get an unlimited monthly pass for the ferry. The one way fare was increased in February from $8 to $10. The currently price for a monthly pass is $314, with a student monthly card available for $250.

"I think it’s the best way to go," Samarelli said. "There’s no traffic to deal with."

He said the passenger numbers seem to be consistent, even in the winter.

"They just wait in the terminal and then run out when they see the boat coming," he said. "Well, maybe not run in the winter because they might slip."

But he also expects that warm weather could bring out some tourists.

John Paxton, a Pennsylvania resident, took the ferry last week while visiting his father in Cliffside Park and figured he’d enjoy the view of the boat ride.

"It makes a pleasant trip into the city," he said.

Frances Marzocchi, a borough resident, said she doesn’t go into the city that often but when she has to the ferry is the best way.

"It’s quicker for me to get into the Port Authority," she said. "I don’t want to have to sit there waiting for a bus."

Ed Sheerins, another borough resident, lives a few minutes walking distance from the port and also cites the convenience of the ferry.

"I used to go to Weehawken for the ferry but to be able to leave my car where it is and just walk over it’s great," he said.

He drove across the George Washington Bridge for a while but came back to the ferry when it opened in Edgewater.

The ferry runs every half-hour Monday to Friday between 6:15 and 9:50 a.m. and then from 4 to 8 p.m., with no weekend service.

Robin Decicco, a Leonia resident, said she wants to see boats running beyond rush hour and on weekends.

"It would be so much more convenient for residents rather than having to drive down to the other ports," she said.

Samarelli said it would also be more convenient if there was a parking lot. The complex only has parking for seasonal boat owners who use the marina, but there is municipal parking a few blocks away.

The borough provides a free shuttle bus that runs along River Road and there are a lot of car drop-offs every morning, Franz said.

Samarelli said the Weehawken Port is busier than Edgewater but he sees a good flow of riders.

"A lot of people doubt the ferry because it’s expensive but if you want to be on time it’s the way to go," he said. "Every minute counts."