Bay Area ferry services thriving with big plans for future as other transit agencies face challenges

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- It was a steady flow of boats in and out of the Port of San Francisco Tuesday night.

While almost all of the other transportation agencies in the Bay Area are wary of the years ahead, our region's ferry system is making big plans for the future.

"In Dec. 2025, we were 10% above Dec. 2024. And we've seen a consistent record of increased commute and recreational travel on Golden Gate Ferry," said Paolo Cosulich-Schwartz, spokesperson for the Golden Gate Ferry, which serves the North Bay and San Francisco.

Amid the uptick in business, he said the agency has decided to replace its entire fleet over the coming years.

"We expect the first of those new vessels to arrive in 2027. And for there to be a new vessel in our fleet replacing old ones, many of which are tired and date back to the 70s, every year between 2027 and 2033," Cosulich-Schwartz said.

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Many of the boats we saw had long lines to get on board after the workday, with some even wrapping around the pier.

ABC7 News talked with several ferry passengers on Tuesday night and all of them said this is their favorite mode of transportation.

"I took the bus for over 30 years, and I can't sit in traffic anymore. I'm too old to sit in traffic," said Mark Schatz.

Besides the stunning views and less congestion, many ferry goers say it's often cheaper for them to commute this way.

Outside one of the piers, we met Jasmere Riley. She said this was her first time ever taking the ferry, but that she wants to do it again.

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"It was very relaxing and calming. And actually very efficient," Riley said.

Several of the region's ferry services are looking to expand service in the coming years, adding more routes and new destinations.

"It's a really exciting time for the commuter ferry business. We're happy to have our customers back and look forward to bringing even more as we're able to expand our system," said Casulich-Schwartz.

Some of the new places set to get new ferry terminals include Redwood City, Berkeley and two more locations in the city.