STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Three ambitious high school seniors from Rye Country Day School in Rye, New York, have set a new Guinness World Record for the fastest time to visit all New York City ferry stops.
Ayush Maini, Eva Salzman and Olivia Thomas set out on the record-breaking journey back on Aug. 28, 2023. It was finally certified by Guinness World Records on Jan. 12, 2024, standing at 7 hours, 19 minutes, and 9 seconds, surpassing the previous record by almost half an hour — 28 minutes to be exact.
The meticulously planned route covered over four miles of running, spanning all five boroughs from the Rockaway stop all the way to the St. George ferry stop.
“Just like our record-setting attempt, improving public transportation is a collective challenge. It’s not about shattering records; it’s about breaking barriers and overcoming obstacles together,” said Maini, who led the attempt. “Just as every delay and detour made us stronger, every hurdle in transit development can be conquered with shared determination.”
Ayush Maini, Eva Salzman, and Olivia Thomas celebrate their Guinness World Record with ice cream. (Courtesy of Ayush Maini) (Courtesy of Ayush MainiCourtesy of Ayush Maini
Throughout their 60-mile journey, Maini, of Queens; Salzman, a SoHo resident, and Thomas, of Yonkers, all aimed to raise awareness about the benefits of the NYC ferry system, emphasizing its role in enhancing connectivity, fostering community engagement, and promoting accessible transportation options.
Their advocacy extends to recognizing the urgent need to combat climate change and reduce car dependency, encouraging different approaches to environmentally friendly options.
“New Yorkers have an unprecedented level of access to career, education, and entertainment opportunities,’’ Maini said. “By leveraging our city’s resources, we can connect communities and create access to these new opportunities.”
The trio sees ferry systems as potential solutions to bridge transit…
Read the full article here
Leave a Reply