New York – September 29, 2026 -- Zelle is picking up the fare on a different NYC Ferry route every Thursday in October, part of a push to cut the cost of getting to a date across the city's boroughs.
Zelle sponsors five ferry routes through October
Starting October 1, Zelle will cover rides on a rotating schedule: St. George on October 1, East River on October 8, Rockaway–Soundview on October 15, South Brooklyn on October 22, and Astoria on October 29. NYC Ferry operates first-come, first-served, and tickets are valid one-way only.
A kickoff event launches the campaign on the water
On October 1, Zelle hosts a one-night event aboard the St. George route departing Midtown West at 4:54 p.m., running from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. The event features local small businesses, harbor views, treats, giveaways and beverages while supplies last, plus appearances from an astrologer and personal finance expert Ashley Feinstein Gerstley discussing astrological and financial compatibility.
A new guide points daters to small businesses near ferry stops
Zelle also launched the Zelle NYC Affordable Date Night Guide, built with Gen Z culture creator Ellie Williams, founder of the lifestyle publication "For the Girls." The guide lists budget-friendly spots near NYC Ferry stops, including Electrix Vintage and Saint Street Cakes in Brooklyn, Upper East Side Petals and Milkweed Studio in Manhattan, BrickHouse Ceramic Art Center in Queens, Native Rose Coffee on Staten Island, and Delicioso Coco Helado in the Bronx.
Denise Leonhard, general manager of Zelle, said covering select ferry rides and highlighting local experiences helps New Yorkers spend less on transportation so they can spend more at the small businesses featured in the guide.
The campaign follows Zelle's dating economics research
The ferry partnership builds on Zelle's New Economics of Dating Report, which examined how rising costs are shifting where Gen Z and millennial consumers go on dates, how much they spend, and what they consider financial green flags versus dealbreakers.
Joey K., owner of Upper East Side Petals, said Zelle lets customers pay directly via QR code, simplifying transactions for the flower shop featured in the guide.