NEW APP AND TICKETING SYSTEM ARRIVING JULY 19
San Francisco Bay Ferry will be introducing a new ticketing system and the SF Bay Ferry smartphone app on July 19. The Anchor ticketing system, which is employed by numerous transit agencies across North America, will make buying ferry tickets easy and hassle-free for all passengers not using Clipper. Once live, ferry riders will be able to:

  • Purchase tickets for regular routes AND special events from the app or our website 
  • See real-time locations of ferries and sign up for service alerts
  • Manage their tickets and payment methods from an easy-to-use interface

As we continue to elevate the ferry passenger experience, we are looking forward to the benefits these upgrades will offer to riders. The app will be available for iPhones and Android devices on July 19. Clipper will still be accepted on all regular routes and remain the preferred fare media for our commuters. Tickets through the app, website or paper tickets purchased on the ferries will be great options for families, visitors from outside the area and for riders of our sports special event service.
VALLEJO DISEMBARKATION CHANGES COMING

San Francisco Bay Ferry will soon be changing the way riders on the Vallejo route show their proof of payment.

Beginning on July 19, Vallejo ferry passengers will provide proof of fare payment at the end of their ride instead of at the beginning of the trip during boarding. This means that upon exiting the ferry, all passengers will be required to do one of the following:

  • Tag off with their Clipper card or app
  • Show their activated mobile ticket
  • Present a valid paper ticket to the crew member for scanning

This will align with the proof of payment system and fare validation process across the rest of the San Francisco Bay Ferry network and streamline the way in which riders can purchase paper tickets. As we continue to invest in the rider experience, we understand some changes may come with questions. Nevertheless, these changes are designed to boost the efficiency of ferry operations and while providing a more streamlined ticket and rider experience for our passengers.

Beginning July 19, we will also begin to phase out services offered at the Vallejo Ferry Ticket Office. The ticket office is scheduled to close permanently effective August 15 so that we can increase terminal staffing across the system.
HELP CREATE A VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF FERRY SERVICE

What do you want the future of Bay Area water transit to look like? The San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA) is currently developing a shared vision of the San Francisco Bay Area ferry system in 2050.  

This service visioning effort is an unique opportunity to re-imagine water transit and address emerging priorities concerning the environment, mobility, accessibility, equity, economic development, emergency response, and quality of life throughout the Bay Area.

From regular riders to first-time users, community input is an important part of the development process. Explore our Bay Ferry 2050 website to read the latest project updates, see the planning timeline and key project focus areas, sign up for project notifications, and participate in engagement opportunities as they are added.

Your voice is an important part of this planning process! Help us re-imagine the future of water transportation.
ORACLE PARK FERRY SERVICE OFFERED THROUGH SUMMER

San Francisco Bay Ferry is excited to announce that Oracle Park ferry service will continue to be offered for Giants games through the remainder of the season.

For upcoming evening games, we have roundtrip direct service for Oakland and Alameda fans and direct post-game service for Vallejo fans. Coming to a night game from Vallejo? Take the 3:30 PM or 4:45 PM ferry from Vallejo to Downtown San Francisco – the ballpark is a short walk or Muni ride (KT line) away! For those rare Saturday night games, we do have direct trips to the ballpark before first pitch from Vallejo, too.

Going to a weekend day game? The free Ballpark Short Hop runs between the Downtown S.F. Terminal and Oracle Park when there’s a 1:05 PM first pitch on Saturdays and Sundays, allowing fans to catch regular ferries to and from S.F. from Vallejo, Richmond, Alameda or Oakland both before and after games.

Reservations are strongly encouraged for direct ballpark service.
As the Giants season continues, we are excited to continue to provide fans the best way to get to the game!
DOCK-TIONARY: SPRING VS DOCK LINES

Welcome back to Dock-tionary, where we help ferry fans learn how to speak boat. This month, we’re breaking down the difference between a dock line and a spring line and their importance in efficient ferry operations.

Dock lines and spring lines are similar however, their respective distinction plays an important role for crews and the successful maneuvering of marine vessels when secured to the dock. Dock lines are defined as ropes that secure your boat in place at the dock for short-term mooring.

Spring lines are different in that they are a line led diagonally from the bow or stern of a ship to a point on a wharf and made fast to help keep the ship from moving fore and aft while secured at the dock. Spring lines can also assist the captain when maneuvering the boat alongside as they are the first lines to go out when mooring.

Ultimately, dock lines and spring lines secure the vessel from moving in a particular direction since currents in the water can cause vessels to drift. The next time you are riding the ferry, see if you can tell which lines are being employed to help guarantee the safe movement of passengers on and off the ferry. 
FERRY MERCH

Riders can now show their love for riding the ferry in more ways and styles. Check out The Aft Deck and grab some ferry swag today!