to the terminal. Carpooling, AC Transit, or riding a bike to
the terminal is encouraged. You may board the ferry with
your bicycle, or there’s plenty of safe places to leave it on
site. Hall also notes that for people wanting to return later in
the evening, beyond the ferry’s scheduling limits, AC Transit’s
Route 74 can take you directly from the Richmond BART
station back to the terminal.
A team effort between WETA, the City of Richmond,
the Contra Costa Transportation Authority, and the Western
Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee, the new
Richmond ferry terminal is a major accomplishment. “We’ve
had so much support from the local communities,” Hall said.
“Mayor Tom Butt worked really hard to make it a reality,
Supervisor John Gioia has been a great help to us—this is
really a proud moment.”
Located at the end of Harbour Way South, the new ferry
may contribute to more tourism as well. “We’re expecting
folks to utilize the ferry to get to the Craneway Pavilion,
which is a fabulous event space, and the Rosie the Riveter/
WWII Home Front National Historic Park,” Hall said. “It’s
a very short walk away from the ferry terminal, so we’re
excited to help bring people out to learn about Richmond’s
role in WWII.” As Richmond contributed a legendary 747
Richmond Gangway
ships toward the war effort, a ferry service at this location is
quite the homage to the home front.
Some may have noticed that the kayak launch was
relocated to make room for the terminal, but they installed
a brand-new one nearby. “We built probably the nicest
kayak launch in the whole Bay in Richmond,” said WETA’s
Planning & Development Manager, and avid kayaker,
Kevin Connolly. “It’s specifically designed to be accessible
for disabled kayakers, making it easier for people with
wheelchairs to move their boats on and off the facility.”
Over the next 7 years or so you can look forward to
WETA introducing newer and larger vessels, some able to
transport more than 400 passengers at a time, and plans are
underway to add ferry service in Berkeley, Treasure Island,
Redwood City, and another terminal at Alameda Point. But
for now, all eyes are on Richmond.
“We expect the first few days to be a sort of party
atmosphere,” Hall said. “We’re really excited to provide
great service for the people of Richmond; giving them
another option to get into the city, and off of the freeways.”
For more information call (707) 64-FERRY or visit
sanfranciscobayferry.com/richmond.
JANUARY 2019 MARKETPLACECONTRACOSTA.COM 19