Safely Reopening Regional Ferry Service as Commute Grows

The Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA) is resuming and enhancing ferry service in various cities after months of reduced operation due to regional shelter in place orders. In addition to the existing Oakland/Alameda route, WETA will double ferry service in Vallejo and restart service on the Richmond route starting Monday, June 15.

To ensure the health and safety of passengers and crew, WETA is also implementing strong measures to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. The measures include enhanced cleaning, maximum capacity restrictions to ensure social distancing, face-covering requirements, adequate sanitary devices, frequent temperature checks for staff, personal protective equipment for crew members, and touchless payment options. The Bay Area Council, which was instrumental in creating WETA and has championed regional ferry service for decades, applauds the steps being taken to protect passengers and crew.

“As the region gets back to work, San Francisco Bay Ferry provides a safe, clean and comfortable way to cross the Bay,” said Council CEO Jim Wunderman, who serves as chair of the WETA Board of Directors. “WETA’s safety plan is geared toward protecting passengers and crews while helping as many commuters as possible to avoid the traffic congestion that’s already beginning to return.”

As the economy reopens and ridership demand increases, WETA plans to further expand ferry service to fulfill its mission of utilizing the Bay Area’s waterways to connect major cities. For current ferry schedules and more information on how WETA is providing a safe commute option in the Bay Area during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit SF Bay Ferry.

(Photo credit: SF Bay Ferry)