Question

read the passage.
throughout the united states, hundreds of ferries cross the countrys waterways. these vessels provide options for commuters and alleviate the constraints of road congestion. new york citys ferry systems alone carry tens of millions of people to their destinations annually. of those systems, the staten island ferry provides passenger service to tens of thousands each day. this integral ferry service transports pedestrians between the northern end of staten island and the southern tip of manhattan. some form of service between these points has existed since the early 1800s, first under private ownership by individuals and companies, then under the control of the city of new york since 1905.
this ferrys popularity stems in part from geography. because of new york citys islands and rivers, other transportation options between staten island and manhattan are limited; car routes without bridges or tunnels, for instance, are nonexistent. consequently, to avoid the drive—and circumvent ensuing traffic delays—the ferry is a logical choice. moreover, thanks to the routes proximity to symbolic landmarks like ellis island and the statue of liberty, a journey on this vessel brings to mind the significance of the regions history.
which statement best summarizes the central ideas of the passage?
the staten island ferrys route, which provides unique views of the regions historic landmarks, has transformed the ride primarily into an educational tourist activity.
the new york city ferry system transports more passengers than the rest of the countrys ferries put together, since the service is essential for travel between islands.
the new york city ferry system, an organization founded in the early 1800s, became limited in its routes when it came under the private ownership of a small company.
the staten island ferry, a service that has aided commuters since the 1800s, offers an efficient mode of travel with reduced potential for road traffic jams.

Explanation:

1. Analyze Option 1: The passage says the ferry's journey brings history to mind, not that it's an educational tourist activity. Eliminate.
2. Analyze Option 2: The passage doesn't compare NYC ferry passengers to others' totals. Eliminate.
3. Analyze Option 3: The ferry service existed since early 1800s (not the system's founding), and no info on route limits under private ownership. Eliminate.
4. Analyze Option 4: The passage states the ferry has aided commuters since 1800s, alleviates road congestion (efficient, less traffic jams). Matches.

Answer:

D. The Staten Island Ferry, a service that has aided commuters since the 1800s, offers an efficient mode of travel with reduced potential for road traffic jams.