The Proposed Ferry Route:

• Hercules to San Francisco

Trip Time(s):

• Hercules to San Francisco Ferry Building: 42 minutes

The Benefits of a Hercules Ferry Service:

• A new Hercules waterfront development "Hercules Bayfront" -- a mixed-use commercial and residential area, complete with a bus stop and rail station - is currently under development adjacent to the proposed ferry terminal.

• The waterfront project will include approximately 1,392 dwelling units, 134,000 sq. ft. of flex space, 205,000 sq. ft. of retail, office and civic space, parking and a variety of restaurants and cafes. It will be pedestrian and bike friendly.

• A total of nearly 2,900 dwelling units have been or are in development along the Hercules waterfront.

The Riders:

• The WTA's ridership studies anticipated 1,022 daily passenger trips to-and-from Hercules by 2025.

The Terminal:

• Like many waterfront communities where the town center is located right at the shoreline, a combined rail and ferry terminal will provide excellent mass transit options in Hercules.

Convenient Connections:

• Railroad tracks in Hercules separate the developing Town Center and anticipated parking garage from the proposed ferry terminal location.

• A new Amtrak station along the shoreline of Hercules will add to the City's transit-oriented possibilities.

• Hercules planners envision a pedestrian bridge crossing the tracks for easy access to a potential ferry terminal.

• The WestCat bus service currently transports passengers as to and from Hercules and BART and could easily connect with the new ferry terminal.

The Timeline:

• Timeline dependent on availability of funds, environmental impacts and local support and commitment.

The Emergency Response:

• A Hercules ferry terminal could provide emergency access to Contra Costa County if highway travel is disrupted.

• New and increased ferry service was used in 1989 to transport passengers and supplies after the Loma Prieta Earthquake blocked access to and damaged the Bay Bridge.

• In 23 years, ferries have been used six times in the Bay Area to replace damaged or disrupted transportation links.

Proposed Funding Sources:

• Federal Ferryboat Discretionary Fund

• Contra Costa County Measure J Sales Tax

• Transit Impact Fees

• Farebox Revenue

WETA Project background:

WETA (the San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority) was established by SB 976, and replaces the WTA (Water Transit Authority). The intention of SB 976 is to improve the ability of ferries to respond in an emergency.

Read More About WETA

Next Steps:

Contact information:
San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority
Pier 9, Suite 111, San Francisco CA, 94111
415.291.3377 www.watertransit.org