A new ferry service between Alameda, Oakland and South San Francisco launched on June 4, hosting its first round of commuters and thrill seekers.
The weekday ferry service, run by San Francisco Bay Ferry, caters to East Bay residents who work in the rapidly multiplying tech companies located in South San Francisco.
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The service consists of three morning rush hour departures from the East Bay and two return trips from Oyster Point in the evening. The trip takes about forty minutes and costs $7. But in honor of its opening week, rides on the Bay’s newest ferry will be absolutely free to everyone.
The new line is the first ferry service to open on the San Francisco Bay since 1992.
The Oyster Point ferry terminal cost about $25.3 million to construct, and more than $30,000 was spent to upgrade the East Bay terminals. Two new 149-passenger boats were built to the tune of $16 million, according to the San Francisco Business Times.
The boats burn cleaner diesel fuel than previous ferries and are equipped with Wi-Fi, snacks and a bar.
“We’re finally realizing the vision we outlined 10 years ago, “ Nina Rannells, executive director of the Water Emergency Transportation Authority told the San Francisco Chronicle. “This marks the beginning of the future."
Other ferry routes that would eventually connect Antioch, Redwood City, Berkeley, Richmond and Treasure Island are also in the works.
More photos and information on the new ferry ride, courtesy of our friends at the South San Francisco Patch.
In honor of the new line, check out our favorite ferry destinations below:
