Press Releases
Contact: Shirley Douglas WETA Manager of Community & Government Relations
- APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED TO WETA BOARD OF DIRECTORS March 25, 2008
Board appointments include Charlene Haught Johnson, Board Chair; Anthony Intintoli, Jr.,Board Vice-Chair; and Gerald Bellows, who were all appointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and require Senate confirmation and Alameda Mayor, Beverly Johnson, appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules. The final Board member will be appointed by Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez but has not yet been named.
- WTA LOCKS IN FEDERAL DOLLARS FOR BAY AREA FERRY EXPANSION January 22, 2008
The San Francisco Bay Area Water Transit Authority (WTA) announced that the recently
passed omnibus appropriations bill for FY 2007-2008, designated the WTA as the
recipient of $1.42 million for ferry boat and terminal construction. The funds are planned
for ferry service in South San Francisco ($670,000) and in Berkeley/Albany ($750,000).
- MORE FERRIES ON THE BAY December 19, 2007
The San Francisco Bay Area Water Transit Authority ordered two more passenger ferries
Thursday, continuing its mission of expanding ferry service in the San Francisco Bay
area, using ferries that are 10 times cleaner than the existing vessels in the bay. The new
ferries, each with a capacity of 199 passengers and capable of speeds up to 25 knots will
be built by Kvichak Marine Industries, Inc. in Seattle Washington. In the past year, WTA
has awarded four new vessel contracts, more than have been built for the Bay Area in the
previous 10 years.
- Ferry Service Consolidation and Emergency Response Coordination November 28, 2007
A new state law - SB976 - replaces the WTA with a new entity, the San Francisco
Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA) effective January
1, 2008. The intention of the bill is to improve the ability of ferries to respond
in the event of an emergency.
- Infrastructure bond proposal is ferry good June 21, 2006
Ferries are a critical link in our transportation system, along with highways and transit systems. Ferries also are a key part of our emergency preparedness. In an earthquake-prone region like ours, it is vital to have water transit to provide flexibility in the system in the event of damaged bridges and rail lines. As we learned from Hurricane Katrina, investing now is far less expensive than coping with the effects of poor planning after a disaster.
- Real-Time Information Arrives for Ferry Service June 21, 2006
The Water Transit Authority (WTA) recently unveiled the first real-time ferry schedule sign inside the San Francisco Ferry Building, at the Bay Crossings ticket outlet/ newspaper stand (Shop #22). The signs allow passengers to view ferry departure times from San Francisco and ferry service disruption notifications.
- The WTA is Building Boats May 9, 2006
It’s not as big as the new bay bridge, but it’s a big step towards creating a disaster
response and recovery transportation system! The San Francisco Bay Area Water Transit
Authority is starting to build boats, which means that expanded ferry service is not far
behind.
- Ferries to the Rescue: Disaster Response Planning April 12, 2006
New and increased ferry service was used in 1989 to transport passengers and supplies after the Loma Prieta Earthquake. The San Francisco Bay Area Water Transit Authority, the regional public agency responsible for building and operating a comprehensive ferry system in the bay area, is working to ensure that ferry service continues to play an important role in transporting workers across the Bay in a disaster.
- WTA LOCKS IN FEDERAL MONEY FOR
BAY AREA FERRY SYSTEM EXPANSION
San Francisco — The San Francisco Bay Area Water Transit Authority (WTA) announced that the recently passed federal transportation bill “SAFETEA-LU†designated the WTA as the recipient of $14 million for ferry boat and terminal construction, while greatly increasing the national fund which provides WTA with significant additional funding each year.
- Berkeley Residents Support Bringing Back Ferries by a 3-1 Margin:
Berkeley Transportation and Waterfront Commissions & WTA to Host
Public Meeting to Discuss Plans for Berkeley Ferry Service
May 12, 2005 7:30-9:30pm., North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Avenue
BERKELEY- A poll released by the San Francisco Bay Area Water Transit Authority (WTA) shows that 76% of Berkeley and Albany residents think the ferry is "a good idea" and support new service between Berkeley/Albany and San Francisco.
The public meeting will include a presentation by the WTA on the public opinion survey, parking studies, next steps for planning new Berkeley ferry service and time for public input.
- Making Cents for Ferries: Half-cent Sales Tax Measures Add up to $75 million for Ferry Service to San Mateo and Contra Costa County
November 18, 2004
The San Francisco Bay Area Water Transit Authority announced the successful passage of two sales tax measures in San Mateo and Contra Costa Counties. The additional money these measures included for ferry service means a big victory for ferry advocates. Both measures officially kick into place in 2009, when the current sales taxes expire, and extend for 25 years. Early passage of the measures allows counties to bond against the future revenue to get projects started sooner.
- EPA awards $71,000 to Bay Area Water Transit Authority
September 30, 2004
SAN FRANCISCO At an event announcing a $71,000 grant to reduce diesel pollution from Bay Area ferries, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency joined with a consortium of federal, state and local government agencies, non- profits and industry to kick off an unprecedented effort to reduce diesel emissions from trucks, ships, locomotives and other diesel sources along the West Coast.
- Congratulations to the award-winning Blue and Gold for their
environmental leadership!
July 30, 2004
- Congratulations to Vallejo/Baylink Ferry for adding to its fleet the most
environmentally
friendly boat on the water: the MV Solano!
- July 15, 2004
The MV Solano, decorated for its public debut |
MV Solano departs on its maiden voyage |
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- Ferry advocates host a day on the bay - March ballot measure would expand service
February 8, 2004
For a taste of how the new ferry routes would work, the Water Transit Authority invited politicians and plain folks to take a weekend ride.
- Congress Floats Fuel Cell Boat with $2.5 Million
February 20, 2003
The Water Transit Authority (WTA), a regional
transit agency, announced today that it was awarded $2.5 million in federal funds to build
the world's first fuel cell powered commuter ferry. (more)
- Ferry Powered by Soybean Fuel to Sail S.F. Bay
October 18, 2001
New Regional Transit Agency Gets Federal Grant for Pilot Project. (more)
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