The Proposed Ferry Route:

The Proposed Ferry Route:

• Richmond to San Francisco

• Richmond to San Francisco Ferry Building: 30 minutes

The Benefits of Richmond Ferry Service:

• Richmond ferry service could potentially reduce traffic congestion on the Richmond Parkway, Interstates 80 and 580, as well as on the Richmond-San Rafael and Bay bridges.

• The proximity of new development including the adaptation of the historic Ford Plant allows water transit to serve both commuters and residents.

• Ford point includes sites for the Regatta Center, Westshore Business Park and Marina Center Developments (all office R&D). The planned development of employment centers is likely to transform Richmond into a destination as well as an origin for ferry service.

The Riders:

• The WTA's ridership studies anticipate 1,947 daily passenger trips between Richmond and San Francisco by 2025. The majority will be drivers shifting from cars to water transit.

The Terminal

• The land surrounding Richmond Marina Bay is the target of significant office and R&D (approximately 1.5 million square feet), residential (more than 1900 units) and mixed-use development efforts. Richmond is planning parks, promenades and open spaces to support this forthcoming development.

• The proposed ferry terminal location includes Sheridan Point Marina at the end of Brickyard Cove road south of I-580.

Convenient Connections:

• Richmond ferry service potentially offers good connection to the Amtrak station, adjacent to BART, located in the heart of Richmond's downtown, which would complement ongoing water transit oriented development (WaTOD) planning.

• WTA will work with local AC Transit bus lines and BART to provide feeder service to a Richmond ferry terminal.

• Comprehensive waterfront planning could tie together walk-and-bike access between existing and new residential development, the Bay Trail and the ferry terminal, minimizing the need for large and expensive parking facilities.

The Timeline:

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

The Emergency Response:

• A Richmond ferry terminal could provide emergency access to the city and surrounding area if highway travel is disrupted, including damage to the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge.

• 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.

• Federal Ferryboat Discretionary Fund

• Contra Costa County Measure J Sales Tax Extension

• Transit Impact Fees

• Farebox Revenue

• State Infrastructure bonds (subject to voter approval 11/2006 elections)

WETA Project background:

WETA (the San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority) was established by SB976, 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

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