In October, the San Francisco Port Commission approved a new water taxi service for the San Francisco waterfront.
Eventually, San Francisco Water Taxi plans to use boats similar to this that can hold up to 49 passengers to sites on both sides of the Bay.
The service, which received unanimous approval, is scheduled to run between Pier 1 ˝ and the Hyde Street Harbor at Fisherman’s Wharf. San Francisco Water Taxi will, in return, pay the Port of San Francisco seven percent of gross revenue. The deal is for five years with an option on five additional years. Ultimately, Scannell, who also owns Bay Quackers, an amphibious “duck boat” tour company, plans to connect with sites on both sides of the Bay, including Oakland, Berkeley, Sausalito and Tiburon.
“We will be able to connect communities in a way that has never been done before,” said Scannell. “People who have traditionally taken the ferry to San Francisco had to live their professional or social lives by the ferry schedule, until now. They are now able to stay late at the office, or meet up with friends for a few drinks, and not worry about missing the last ferry.”
San Francisco Water Taxi will begin limited service in January 2011, and by spring plans to offer full service around the Bay.
