Exciting Outlook for Waterfront Mobility in the Bay Area

This week the Bay Area Council launched its new Waterfront Mobility Committee under the leadership of co-chairs Heather Salem (Genentech) and Emily Lesk (Wilson Meany) and hosted an energizing conversation with members and public agency officials about the extraordinary opportunity of connecting the region using the Bay waters. Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA) Executive Director Seamus Murphy presented an in-depth update on the recent changes to San Francisco Bay Ferry service to meet the needs of riders, the agency’s work to decarbonize its fleet, and its plans to launch pilot programs to access new markets quickly.
 
Al De Groot, Executive Director, Facilities Operations at Gilead gave a report on our new Hovercraft Working Group.  Members also heard a presentation on the new Treasure Island Ferry service which launched in March, the product of a partnership between Wilson Meany and the Treasure Island Development Group. This sparked a conversation about the opportunity to use similar small vessels to access other new waterfront developments on the San Francisco shoreline and throughout the region, where much of the Bay Area’s new housing and commercial development is concentrated. The Waterfront Mobility Committee will lead the region’s advocacy to build a world class ferry system on the San Francisco Bay. To engage in this work, please contact Policy Director Emily Loper.