Every Friday, Richmond resident Denise Miller and her mother have a tradition: Meet for lunch at a new restaurant and catch up on the week. So when they found out that San Francisco Bay Ferry was offering free Friday rides between Richmond and San Francisco, they immediately knew where they were headed.
On a recent Friday the two eagerly lined up at the Richmond Ferry terminal, taking in the views of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge and the Marin Headlands.
“It’s exciting to not have to sit in traffic,” Miller said. “You can just relax and enjoy the ride. Plus, I was born in San Francisco, so it’s nice to go back and see the city.”
Berkeley resident Valerie McDermott, her children and two of their friends watched the ferry arrive at the terminal. With their schools closed that day, McDermott needed to entertain her children. Now, the group was headed to Musée Mécanique, an antique arcade and museum at Pier 45, also free.
“There’s no school, so we’re trying for a wholesome day of exploration,” McDermott said.
The ferry was docked, and it was time to board. Excitement was palpable as about 30 passengers walked up the ramp, many immediately heading for the top deck. Being on the water brought not only giddiness, but a change of perspective too. Seen from the water, the earthen-red fuel tanks of the refinery studding the Richmond hills became giant mushrooms, and Port of Richmond cranes and other equipment looked like hulking beasts refreshing themselves at the water’s edge. To the west, lay the shimmering blue green of the bay, with its jagged coastline and rocky islands.
Free Richmond ferry rides
WHAT: Free roundtrip rides between the Richmond Ferry Terminal, 1453 Harbour Way South, to downtown San Francisco, Embarcadero at Mission St.
WHEN: Fridays until the end of December. The trip is about 35 minutes each way.
MORE INFO: For schedules and more information visit San Francisco Bay Ferry.
As the ferry chugged along to the Embarcadero, riders, who can choose between indoor or outdoor seating, had a clear view of Alcatraz and Treasure Island. Karen Scotto of Richmond and her husband reveled as the salty air hit their faces. The couple planned to visit one of their favorite coffee shops in San Francisco, then just stroll around the city. “We live five minutes away from the ferry terminal, so we will definitely be back,” Scotto said.
About 25,000 ride Richmond route monthly; post-pandemic ridership is up
The Richmond route opened in January 2019 with limited service. Since then, San Francisco Bay Ferry has increased the frequency of crossings, now offering 28 trips between Richmond and San Francisco on weekdays and 10 trips on weekends. An estimated 25,000 people ride the Richmond ferry every month, although the route isn’t as popular as ones from Vallejo, Oakland and Alameda.
The free Fridays program, running until the end of the year, is being offered in partnership with the Contra Costa Transportation Authority. The CCTA is using Measure J sales tax revenue to pay for the project. It’s intended to encourage people to consider using alternative methods of transportation, according to Tim Haile, executive director of the CCTA.
While not the busiest ferry route, the Richmond service has seen the biggest increase in ridership since the pandemic, according to the Water Emergency Transportation Agency, which operates San Francisco Bay Ferry. And the price continues to be a steal, with a one-way ticket just $4.70 for adults and $2.30 for children, seniors and the disabled. Children 5 and younger ride for free.
The diesel fleet will eventually transition to zero emission ferries. Earlier this year, San Francisco Bay Ferry added Sea Change, the world’s first commercial passenger ferry run entirely by hydrogen fuel cells, as part of a demo project.
Ferry transportation isn’t without inconvenience. You have to plan your outing around departure and arrival times and be ready to stand in line. But for many commuters and day trippers, the trade-offs are still well worth it. There’s no traffic to contend with, and it’s cheaper than driving or taking BART. And, without those stressors, the ferry can be a meditative, relaxing experience, a chance to be suspended in time – between here and there – a break from life’s busyness.
The trip to San Francisco concludes at the San Francisco Ferry Terminal, along the Embarcadero, where there’s lots to do within walking distance for someone taking a leisurely day trip as well as transit transfer points for commuters headed to work.. The Ferry Building is home to many specialty food shops and hosts a bustling farmers market three days a week yearround.
Back on the boat for the return journey, passengers hunkered down as the sun slunk toward the horizon and the fog rolled in, hanging like a curtain over the San Francisco skyline.
“I love the bay and sit outside in all seasons,” said Tim Ramirez, an Albany resident who was commuting from his job in San Francisco. As the ferry neared Richmond, the city’s familiar landmarks came into view – the refinery, the former Ford plant and the Richmond hills.
“I feel like a different person after being on the ferry,” Ramirez said. “ I love the journey, and it’s different every time.”
