San Francisco Bay Ferry’s much-anticipated service between the East Bay and South San Francisco will launch on Monday, June 4, giving commuters a fast, stress-free alternative to the daily grind of traffic on the Bay Bridge and along Highway 101.
The brand new South San Francisco Terminal located at Oyster Point will be the destination of San Francisco Bay Ferry’s new ferry route from Alameda’s Main Street and Oakland’s Jack London Square Terminals. The service is being established to provide transportation alternatives to the vibrant and growing employer base in South San Francisco. Photo by Joel Williams
Published: June, 2012
San Francisco Bay Ferry’s much-anticipated service between the East Bay and South San Francisco will launch on Monday, June 4, giving commuters a fast, stress-free alternative to the daily grind of traffic on the Bay Bridge and along Highway 101. Commuters will have the option to enjoy a comfortable and scenic 40- to 50-minute ride aboard sleek, modern vessels equipped with free wi-fi and a host of other amenities. And, their fare is free for the first week of service. Commuters may reserve their free seat on a first-come, first-served basis by visiting www.sanfranciscobayferry.com.
South San Francisco dignitaries and community leaders from across Northern California and the Peninsula, including Congresswoman Jackie Speier, will be coming together on June 4 for a celebratory ribbon cutting to commemorate the opening of the new Oyster Point terminal. More than 200 people are expected to attend this invitation-only event. Highlights will include a preview ferry cruise and festive performance by the South San Francisco High School Band.
The East Bay-South San Francisco service—the first new water transit route on the Bay in nearly 20 years—will operate Monday through Friday during peak commute periods, with three morning departures from Alameda Main Street and Oakland’s Jack London Square, and two evening return departures from South San Francisco’s new Oyster Point Ferry Terminal (see full SSF ferry schedules on page 25).
"The June 4 maiden voyage of the East Bay to South San Francisco ferry service marks a new chapter in water transportation on San Francisco Bay," said Nina Rannells, executive director of San Francisco Bay Ferry. "Our vision for the future of transportation around the Bay Area includes a robust ferry system, starting with this important step in serving the vibrant and growing employer base in South San Francisco. In addition to providing an alternative to our increasingly congested roadways, this service ensures emergency access in the event of a natural disaster."
In addition to the free wi-fi, ferry passengers will enjoy a host of other on-board amenities including food and full beverage concessions and a variety of seating options to maximize comfort. In addition, the ferries are designed to accommodate more than 30 bicycles. Peninsula Congestion Relief Alliance and Genentech shuttles will meet ferry arrivals and deliver riders to major employer locations. Free parking is available near or at all three terminals.
"When it comes to mobility in the Bay Area, commuters must have options. The new ferry service over the San Francisco Bay offers another choice for commuters in the Bay Area, a choice that allows them to move between work and home in an efficient, comfortable manner," said Brian Kelly, acting secretary of the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency. "The new service is a welcomed alternative designed to help workers get to growing job centers along the Peninsula."
The two vessels serving the route carry up to 149 passengers at a top speed of 25 knots. A one-way adult fare for the East Bay-South San Francisco route will be $7.00. Seniors, disabled, and youth (5-12) are $3.50. Clipper cards, credit cards and cash are accepted.
San Francisco Bay Ferry is a service of the San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA). SF Bay Ferry also serves the San Francisco Ferry Building and Pier 39/Fisherman’s Wharf, Harbor Bay and Main Street in Alameda, and Oakland (Jack London Square), with seasonal service to AT&T Park and Angel Island. On July 1, San Francisco Bay Ferry will also assume operations of the Vallejo Baylink Ferry. Future plans call for serving a number of other new Bay Area locations; Bay Crossings will keep you updated regarding future developments.
The new South San Francisco route will feature sleek, modern vessels equipped with free wi-fi and a host of other amenities. Photo Courtesy of WETA
The futuristic tunnel at the new South San Francisco Ferry Terminal will provide protection from the wind and rain for passengers during inclement weather. Photo by Joel Williams
