The coronavirus pandemic has created a challenging time for our countries and our communities. But it’s also an extraordinary time as we witness the beauty and resilience of the human spirit when we support one another. Our John Deere engine customers are doing their part to assist others in this time of crisis. John Deere Power Systems (JDPS) salutes the manufacturing companies that continue to produce essential products — and the transportation companies that ensure safe and timely movement of not only products, but also people. New York Water Taxi is one of those companies. They are part of New York Cruise Lines, which normally offers sightseeing tours of New York City’s skyline, including the iconic Statue of Liberty. However, when New York became a coronavirus hotspot, water taxi operations were suspended, except for one essential route to the NYU Langone Hospital.

Helping healthcare workers

For several years, New York Water Taxi has operated a route solely dedicated to the transportation of hospital staff to and from NYU Langone Hospital. In recent months, this taxi service has become more essential than ever for healthcare workers at this nationally ranked Brooklyn medical center. The taxi route runs between New York’s 34th Street Ferry Landing on the East River and the Brooklyn Army Terminal, just a short walking distance from the hospital. Over the course of the day during the pandemic, up to 300 healthcare workers were relying on the water taxi during the operating hours of 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.