Somehow, someway, something in New York is actually (gulp) free. Delta has partnered with both the New York Mets & the New York Yankees to provide free New York Water Taxi service to both Citi Field & Yankee Stadium for all home games during the 2010 season. The catch? There literally is none.

Leaving from Pier 11 at the South Street Seaport, near Water & Wall Street, each one way only ferry gets you to the stadium about 30 minutes prior to game time, and leaves the port at varying times depending on the day of the week and time of the game. The ride to the Bronx is exactly one hour, and while that might be a longer ride than simply taking the 4 train, sitting on the top deck on a boat on a nice day is an unparalleled method of transportation to any game. Inside, the ferry offers plush cushioned seats and air conditioning (free), a bar serving beer, wine, and mixed drinks (not free), and airplane sized packs of peanuts and cookies (again, free), all while watching a baseball DVD during the ride (yep, free).

The only real downside is trying to secure tickets. Fans can get them online prior to gameday, and sometimes even day of, at a charge of $1 per ferry ticket, or you can head out to the Pier and grab them beginning 2 hours prior to departure for free. Obviously, those unable to obtain these tickets by either method will be out of luck, as the online tickets are typically quick sellouts as game-time approaches.

Even though the same service is not offered leaving the stadium, for once, a service of convenience is being offered with zero to minimal cost to commuters. And while taking an hour long boat ride with 130 Wall Street types can intimidate and potentially annoy some (Hearing Buy. Sell. Buy. Sell. -for 60 straight minutes can be trying), it’s refreshing to find a general benefit at no consequence to anyone. Plus you can pound a few $5 coronas to prep you for game time, much cheaper than a beer inside. Take me out to the ballgame, indeed.

- Jane Van Arsdale