NEW RIDER ALERTS NOW IN PLACE FOR FERRY PASSENGERS
San Francisco Bay Ferry has launched an upgraded passenger alert system. This includes, for the first time ever, publicly available real-time ferry information.

Real-time predictions have become industry standard across all major public transit agencies nationwide. The introduction of this technology to the ferry system allows passengers to easily track when their vessel will arrive and depart, regardless of service delays or disruptions. This data is now available for consumption on digital platforms including Google Maps, Moovit, Transit App, the San Francisco Bay Ferry app, and 511. We are working on adding live maps and real-time predictions to the San Francisco Bay Ferry website as well.

One easy way to use this information to ensure a smooth ride is to download the San Francisco Bay Ferry app and subscribe to Rider Alert notifications for the routes you ride. If you ride other transit systems and already use Transit app for alerts, you can now subscribe to San Francisco Bay Ferry notifications there as well.

The next major step in the roll-out of real-time information for passengers is integration of the real-time info on the displays at our ferry terminals. 
MORE MIDDAY SERVICE AND MINOR SCHEDULE CHANGES COMING OCT. 17

Starting October 17, 2022, San Francisco Bay Ferry will be adjusting weekday schedules on five routes.

These schedule changes include eight new weekday transbay trips, improving flexibility for passengers traveling between the East Bay and San Francisco. Notable adjustments include additional midday trips on the Alameda Seaplane route, and two new late evening trips between San Francisco and Vallejo. Other minor changes to schedules will be occurring systemwide. The only peak commute period trip being adjusted is a morning Richmond trip.

These service adjustments are being accomplished without any increased expense for the ferry system thanks to improved efficiency from crews. As ridership continues to climb, we are committed to improving the rider experience and making the ferry the top choice for regional travelers. 

Visit our website to view all of the new schedule changes.
FREE FERRY RIDES ON CLEAN AIR DAY

San Francisco Bay Ferry service will be free for all passengers on Wednesday, October 5, 2022, to celebrate California Clean Air Day.

“Ferries are a critical piece of the Bay Area transportation puzzle, providing a clean congestion-relieving transit option to get travelers out of their cars,” said WETA Executive Director Seamus Murphy. “We’ve been busy improving the rider experience in addition to reducing emissions from our ferries, and we welcome commuters to take advantage of a free ride on Clean Air Day on October 5. Once you take a ferry, it’s really hard to go back to sitting in gridlock on the freeway.”

WETA boasts the cleanest high-speed passenger ferry fleet in the nation. Ten of the agency’s 16 vessels, including the newly launched MV Dorado, meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s strongest diesel emissions standards with Tier 4 engines. Two more ferries are slated for engine upgrades to bring them to the EPA Tier 4 standard in the coming months.
EXTRA SERVICE FOR S.F. FLEET WEEKEND

Fleet Week is back, and San Francisco Bay Ferry will be offering enhanced service on Saturday, October 8 and Sunday, October 9, 2022, to serve event goers and anticipated increased ridership. In addition to normal weekend schedules, enhanced services will include:

  • Extra departures on the Oakland & Alameda ferry route
  • Extra departures on the Vallejo ferry route
  • Extra service on the Pier 41 Short Hop

Taking the ferry is the best and most stress-free way to get to and from San Francisco during Fleet Week and the weekend festivities. Normal weekday schedules will be in effect from Monday, October 3 through Friday, October 7, 2022.

In anticipation of increased ridership, we encourage riders who don’t have Clipper to download the San Francisco Bay Ferry app to purchase ferry tickets. In addition, paper tickets can be purchased onboard the ferry upon boarding.

DOCK-TIONARY: DREDGING

Welcome back to Dock-tionary, where we help ferry fans learn how to speak boat. This month, we’re here to explain dredging – what it is, why we do it, and the important role it plays for some of our services.

Dredging is the removal of silt and sediment from the bottom of bodies of water such as rivers, bays, or harbors. This process is usually performed with a special barge equipped with machinery that digs up dirt from the seabed. The main objective of dredging is to maintain the depth of the water so vessels can safely pass through. Once the sediment is removed from the river or seabed and placed on the barge, it is then hauled away and reused elsewhere.

Dredging is necessary to maintain ferry operations at a few spots throughout the San Francisco Bay Ferry network, most notably at the Vallejo Ferry Terminal. Because of the nature of the Mare Island Strait and accelerating sediment build-up, dredging is required every two to three years at Vallejo. This requires the temporary relocation of the ferry float and gangway, causing disruption to passenger service. Occasionally, extreme low tides in between dredging operations require temporary schedule changes or the relocation of service to Mare Island. 

WETA is considering reconfiguration of the Vallejo Ferry Terminal to reduce the cost and impact from dredging operations. Stay tuned for more information in a future issue of Full Speed Ahead.
FERRY MERCH

Riders can now show their love for riding the ferry in more ways and styles. Check out The Aft Deck and grab some ferry swag today!