MV Intintoli Interior Repair Deferred Baylink has decided to postpone the interior rehabilitation of the MV Intintoli until after the delivery the newly constructed MV Solano, expected in late June. As a result, the slower MV Vallejo will be scheduled for service only on the week of April 12th, barring unforeseen circumstances.

New Vallejo Summer Weekend Schedules
On April 1, the new summer weekend Vallejo schedules take effect. The new schedule is available on the web site or reproduced here in Bay Crossings. Certain monthly commute fares will also increase at the same time.

Baylink to Offer Limited Service to the Former Pac Bell Park
This summer there will be limited Vallejo service to the Giants’ games. Check the schedule at http://www.baylinkferry.com/news.htm. Remember that the ferry leaves twenty minutes after the last out OR at 11:00pm, whichever comes first. Regular fares apply.

Reminder
All the services wish to remind you not to hold your place in line with bags or baggage, as this may be construed as a security threat. Please try not to leave behind parcels or bags on the ferry.

Alameda Gets a Proposal
The city of Alameda’s RFP process resulted in just one compliant bid to operate its two ferry services. Prospective operators were asked to bid on three packages: just the West End service, just the Harbor Bay service, and both combined. Blue & Gold Fleet turned in a complete bid for this fixed fee plus certain costs contract. Interestingly enough, Harbor Bay Maritime, a subsidiary of local real estate developer Ron Cowan’s Doric Development did not turn in a complying bid, but did offer to continue the contract on the same terms and conditions.
What makes that fact interesting is that Ron Cowan was used as an example (by opponents of RM-2) of cozy relationships, due to his being involved in ferries, supporting RM-2, and donating funds to politicians. Even the Oakland Tribune bought this argument in its Editorial rant against RM-2. The fact is, that Mr. Cowan is so interested in building his ferry empire that his company did not even bother to bid. This reminds Bay Crossings staff of the motto of another great Bay Area newspaper, “Don’t get it right – get it written.”

Public Hearing for Golden Gate Fare Increase
On 9:00 a.m., April 9th, a public hearing will be held at the boardroom at the Golden Gate Bridge for increasing transit and ferry rates by 10% effective July 1, 2004. The transit district is facing a shortfall of $131 million over the next five years. Not helping this is the fact that bridge traffic is down almost 9% since 2000. Traffic is actually increasing into the city during the evening commute and the district has kept open an extra inbound lane, surprising and irritating outbound motorists.

Last Run for the MV Golden Gate
For the first time since 1958, we have the last run of a ferry, as the MV Golden Gate faces retirement. Commuters, well-wishers, and friends turned out to say goodbye to the ferry that started it all, back in 1970. The district anticipates that it will save $500,000 from this retirement and apply one of the Spaulding Class boats to the Sausalito service.

Alameda’s New Bicycle Ferry Stops Operation
Alameda’s new bicycle ferry to Jack London Square in Oakland has stopped running for an indefinite period of time, while a few issues get sorted out. This ferry also operated as the Jack London Square Water Taxi and is now for sale.

More Cuts for AC Transit
AC Transit, despite cutting service on 43 lines last December, including the connecting dedicated ferry bus at Alameda, is considering still more cuts and perhaps the sale of some of its new buses to the Washington, D.C. Metro.

SamTrans Millbrae BART Dispute
As a further example of shortfall in funding sources, BART threatened to sue SamTrans for failing to pay its share of the operating costs for the new airport extension. SamTrans argued that BART’s projections showed no more than an annual $6 million subsidy but the actual cost was going to be $23 million. SamTrans also objected to paying the airport $1 million in rental for the new station, which SamTrans said it never agreed to. The dispute will go before the MTC (Metropolitan Transit Commission) for arbitration.

Oakland Port Executive to Resign
Tay Yoshitani, the executive director of the Port of Oakland since 1998, has tendered his resignation to be effective sometime in the fall. He cited family reasons, intending to relocate closer to relatives in Baltimore, MD. The Port of Oakland is also responsible for the Oakland International Airport.

New Road to OAK
The new connection to the Oakland International Airport, which speeds your way from I-880 and Hegenberger Road has been renamed in honor of Ron Cowan, the Alameda real estate developer and pioneer ferry operator.

The Port of Oakland Gets a Little Darker
In an award-winning program, the Port of Oakland has developed Dark Skies standards to help reduce light pollution at night and make visibility at Chabot Observatory a bit better. The goal of this program is to save energy and direct the light where it is needed, not up into the sky where it reduces night visibility.

Port of San Francisco’s New Cruise Terminal
The Port announced on March 16 that the $400 million Bryant St. Pier project had commenced. When completed, the project will include a new cruise terminal, office and retail development at Pier 30-32, the new Brannon St. Wharf Park at the sites of Pier 34 and 36, and a Condominium Tower on the corner of Bryant and Beale Streets. Around the time this project is completed, the current cruise terminal will be close to celebrating its centennial.

The Triangle Closes
Friday, March 26, was a sad day as Judy Head, the charming owner of the Triangle Sandwich Shop at 16th and 3rd elected to close down. Judy and late husband Andy had been waterfront fixtures for 53 years, serving meals to shipyard workers and locals in the know. The menu board even had the word “Snails” visible, although it had been painted over. It takes an old-timer to know what is sold under this appellation, as it is not the slimy bug, but rather a pastry in the shape of a snail. For some reason this item, featured prominently on ferryboat menus in the ’30s, dropped from use and was even struck from the Triangle’s menu. Bay Crossings salutes Judy and Andy for all the great meals, endless cups of coffee, and always cheerful conversation.

Amtrak Station Remains Closed
The Amtrak station near the Ferry Building in San Francisco remains closed after being damaged by water during heavy rains in February. Amtrak passengers still board connecting buses near the station, but must purchase their tickets on arrival at the Emeryville Station.