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Harnessing the Bay: The Future of Ferry Services in San Francisco Bay


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Exploring the Future of Water Transit in the Bay Area with Seamus Murphy

In this episode of Capstone Conversation, we dive into a unique perspective on transportation innovation, focusing on the potential of the Bay Area's waterways. With the vast expanse of the bay connecting various regions, could we leverage this natural resource to create a more efficient and sustainable transportation system? Our guest today is Seamus Murphy, Executive Director and CEO of the Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA), the agency behind the San Francisco Bay Ferry.


The Untapped Potential of Bay Area Waterways

Seamus Murphy begins by highlighting the underutilized potential of the Bay Area's waterways. While the region is well-known for its bridges and highways, the bay itself offers a largely untapped transportation route. WETA, operating under the San Francisco Bay Ferry brand, has been working to change this by providing an alternative mode of transit that leverages the bay's natural connectivity.





Growth and Recovery of Ferry Services

Before the pandemic, the San Francisco Bay Ferry was the fastest-growing transit system in the Bay Area. Despite the challenges brought by COVID-19, the ferry system has been one of the quickest to recover. Today, WETA operates seven routes with 16 vessels, with two more on the way. This growth is driven by high demand for ferry services, which offer a unique and enjoyable travel experience that often converts first-time riders into regular users.


Seamus Murphy's Journey

Seamus Murphy joined WETA three years ago, bringing with him extensive experience from his decade-long tenure at Caltrain, where he played a crucial role in the $2.5 billion project to electrify the commuter rail service. His transition to WETA is part of a broader effort to decarbonize and modernize the ferry system, aligning with California's stringent air quality regulations.


Towards Zero Emissions

One of the significant challenges facing the ferry system is the transition to zero emissions. While WETA already uses renewable diesel and boasts highly efficient catamaran-style hull designs, the goal is to move entirely away from diesel. Murphy discusses various paths to achieving this, including hydrogen and battery-electric technologies. Notably, WETA is set to pilot the world's first hydrogen passenger-only fast ferry in June, while also planning to introduce battery-electric vessels based on successful models from Norway.


Infrastructure and Power Challenges

Transitioning to zero emissions involves significant infrastructure upgrades. Murphy explains the need for substantial power supplies, particularly for rapid charging technologies. WETA has already secured $125 million to build the first five electric vessels and the necessary charging infrastructure. This investment aims to support a future fleet of up to 20 vessels, ensuring that expansion plans can proceed sustainably.


Enhancing Rider Experience and Expanding Routes

A critical aspect of ferry service success is its competitiveness with other modes of transit. Murphy emphasizes the importance of frequency and travel time, aiming for a service where ferries depart every 15 minutes. This frequency, coupled with the unique travel experience ferries offer, has earned San Francisco Bay Ferry a 99% customer satisfaction rating.


Future Vision: Expanding the Network

WETA's 2050 service vision outlines an expansive future for the ferry system. This vision includes more frequent, zero-emission services with improved travel times. There are plans to demonstrate new technologies and expand routes to underserved areas, including potential services to Contra Costa County and beyond. Pilot projects will play a crucial role in assessing the viability of these expansions.


Addressing Environmental and Cost Challenges

One of the significant hurdles for expanding ferry services is the need for dredging, which is costly and environmentally challenging. Murphy discusses innovative solutions, such as extending terminals to reduce dredging needs. He also highlights the importance of pilot projects in understanding real-world demand and ensuring cost-effectiveness.


Post-COVID Recovery and Ridership

San Francisco Bay Ferry has rebounded robustly from the pandemic, often exceeding pre-COVID ridership levels. Murphy attributes this success to the agency's proactive approach, including early restoration of services and fare reductions. The goal is not just to recover but to exceed pre-pandemic ridership to avoid the "transit doom spiral" of declining ridership and service cuts.


Conclusion

As Seamus Murphy and WETA continue to innovate and expand, the future of water transit in the Bay Area looks promising. By leveraging the natural advantages of the bay, embracing zero-emission technologies, and continuously improving the rider experience, the San Francisco Bay Ferry is poised to become a cornerstone of the region's transportation network. This episode of Capstone Conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into this transformative journey, highlighting the potential of our waterways to reshape how we move around the Bay Area.


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