New WETA Chief Outlines Regional Ferry Vision

On Thursday (Nov. 13), the Bay Area Council hosted a special discussion with Vice Admiral Jody Breckenridge (USCG Retired), Governor Jerry Brown’s recent appointee to lead the Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA) board. WETA is dually responsible with operating and expanding passenger ferry service on the bay, as well as coordinating water transit emergency preparedness. Vice Admiral Breckenridge highlighted the need for sustainable expansion of ferry service lines to connect new population and business centers, providing a viable alternative to increasingly congested highways and other strained transit systems. Waterfront developers and employers with ferry accessible locations urged WETA to partner together to embrace the commute relief challenge, as the future competitiveness of the regional economy depends on it.

WETA was originally created as the result of Bay Area Council planning and advocacy – led by Harbor Bay Isle Associates Chairman and CEO Ron Cowan. The Council continues to work with employers, developers, and cities to identify opportunities and guide the vision for a robust ferry service on the San Francisco Bay. To engage in the Council’s water transit work, contact Vice President Michael Cunningham.