Kaplan Calls for Expansion of Ferry Service to and from Oakland
On Friday, July 9, 2021, Vice Mayor Rebecca Kaplan sent a letter to the Water Emergency Transportation Authority (“WETA”) urging them to add further ferry service to Oakland and its surrounding cities as WETA considers expansion. The City of Oakland has a ferry terminal in Jack London Square that is home to a large and growing community, which includes housing, office space, and jobs, as well as recreation, entertainment and dining destinations.
Kaplan asks for an increased frequency of ferry service on existing routes to and from Oakland/Jack London Square; additional new routes that would provide connections to and from Richmond, Larkspur, and other areas not currently served from Oakland; and increasing connectivity and outreach by further support of the Broadway shuttle (ensuring last mile connectivity to the ferry), way-finding and informational signage, and community information regarding the ferry.
Expanding use of ferries can increase transit ridership and reduce traffic congestion.
Kaplan states:
“This can be a key opportunity to connect areas not currently served -- as there is a lack of transit service connecting the East Bay with the North Bay,despite a growing number of trips along this corridor,which need a better option.
...As Oakland's Vice Mayor and at-large Council member, a leader on the Board of the Alameda County Transportation Commission, and past Board member of BAAQMD, I recognize the vital importance of effective regional connectivity to the health and vitality of our communities. Oakland sits at the heart of the region, and has been a transportation hub for over a century. With a well-located ferry dock in a growing area, expanding ferry service to and from Oakland can help further weave together our region and ensure access to jobs and opportunity in a healthy manner.”
Full Letter: https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:cc122225-0809-426d-bf51-967516934707
Kaplan is also calling on other regional residents and organizations to join in this advocacy, to help improve the connectivity of our region.
