Annual ridership on the San Francisco Bay Ferry service from Jack London Square has increased over 50 percent in the past two years.
San Francisco Bay Ferry recently announced that annual ridership from Jack London Square in Oakland increased over 50 percent in a two year period.. The increase stems from several factors including increased traffic congestion and a greater awareness of ferries as an alternative to driving. Photo courtesy of SF Bay Ferry
“Ferry service along the San Francisco Bay continues to be incredibly popular, both for daily commuters and weekend travelers and tourists,” said San Francisco Bay Ferry Manager Ernest Sanchez. “Providing transportation options along the waterfront better serves neighboring communities and encourages greater economic development.”
Ferry service officials attributed the surge in ridership to a recovering economy, greater awareness of ferries as a travel option and increased traffic congestion on highways and bridges.
The increased ferry traffic has brought greater economic activity to Jack London Square, according to the Port of Oakland, which owns and leases most of the property. Office space is 98 percent leased, bringing more office workers as well as restaurant workers to Jack London Square. Jack London Square is a mix of waterfront dining spots, retail outlets and offices on the Oakland Estuary.
“Jack London Square has seen a significant increase in dining, retail and recreational activity during the past year,” said Pam Kershaw, the Port of Oakland’s commercial real estate director. “The square is a vibrant destination for commuters and visitors who take the San Francisco Bay Ferry.”
San Francisco Bay Ferry operates four ferry routes, which carry a total of approximately 1.9 million passengers per year. San Francisco Bay Ferry’s Oakland operations include two routes: South San Francisco/East Bay and Alameda/Oakland/San Francisco.
