our ferry future

San Francisco Bay Ferry is already the best way to cross the Bay as thousands of daily commuters and recreational travelers know. We want even more people to have the opportunity to enjoy the ferry life in the coming decades. Read more about how we’re making that possible.

Our Vision for Service Expansion

The 2050 Service Vision  sets standards for enhancement and expansion of existing ferry service. The agency currently operates in Alameda, Oakland, Richmond, South San Francisco and Vallejo and we aim to grow the existing service into more communities in the East Bay, South Bay, San Francisco and along the Carquinez Strait. (Add note about expansion to meet electrification needs)

Current Expansion Projects

Breed Announces $55 Million Grant Supporting Ferry Electrification

The funding from the EPA’s Clean Ports Program will help complete the build out of a zero-emission network that connects communities served by SF Bay Ferry, including Oakland, Richmond, Vallejo and Alameda.

SF Bay Ferry's Redwood City Ballpark Pilot Service Launches July 28

The Port of Redwood City and SF Bay Ferry are currently partnering on design and permitting for a potential future permanent ferry landing.

Oakland Alameda Water Shuttle Pilot Program Launched July 17

The Oakland Alameda Water shuttle offers free service connecting Alameda Landing and Oakland’s Jack London Square Wednesday-Sunday.

FERRY FLEET ELECTRIFICATION

San Francisco Bay Ferry’s Rapid Electric Emission-Free (REEF) Ferry Program is a transformative suite of projects to transition our fleet to zero-emission propulsion technology. The program includes the electrification of our ferry floats and the development of the nation’s first high-speed, high-capacity zero-emission vessels.

Current Electrification Projects

Breed Announces $55 Million Grant Supporting Ferry Electrification

The funding from the EPA’s Clean Ports Program will help complete the build out of a zero-emission network that connects communities served by SF Bay Ferry.

SF Bay Ferry Awarded $12 Million Grant to Electrify Harbor Bay Ferry Route

The grant from the California State Transportation Agency supporting bringing zero-emission, battery electric ferry service to Harbor Bay in Alameda. 

SF Bay Ferry Awarded $11 Million Grant to Procure Electric Vessels

The grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to support the agency’s plans to procure the nation’s first high-speed battery electric ferries.

History of bay area ferry service

Ferries have carried millions of passengers across the Bay since the early 1930s. After the construction of the Bay Bridge that same decade, ferry service saw a steep decline in ridership. The Loma Prieta earthquake struck in October 1989, damaging the Bay Bridge and resulting in its closure for more than a month. During that time, emergency ferry service played a major part in response and recovery and renewed interest in water transit to mitigate gridlock on local freeways and bridges.

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