Aviously

Over the last few months, for the price of a subway ride ($2.75), New York City has launched the NYC Ferry service.

This ferry is a huge help to the Rockaways, which previously had been a long trip to the city (over 70 minutes by train) is now just under an hour by ferry.
The service also launches from Astoria and Long Island City in Queens and stops throughout Brooklyn including Williamsburg, DUMBO, and Bay Ridge.
On the Manhattan side, there are stops at Wall Street and the East 34th Street Terminal.

The ferry is supposed to expand to the Lower East Side as well as Soundview in The Bronx by this time next year.

They are also encouraging biking to/from the ferry, charging only an extra $1 to bring your bike on board.

While people are getting stuck in subway tunnels and sweating away in broken air conditioning, these boats, operated by Hornblower (who are known for their work at Niagara Falls), are aiming to be top of the line.
Here are some differences from the MTA system, as well as some nice amenities, of which they can learn from to update the subways:

• Mobile App: This app is loaded with all sorts of goodies, including the ferry schedule, boarding passes, and daily news articles and music
• Separate parking on board for bikes and strollers
• Temperature controlled interior
• New Stand: Snacks, drinks, chargers, and all sorts of other travel gear for sale on board
• Lots of seats, both indoors and out
• Charging Stations, and upcoming free WiFi