HIGH-SPEED TRANSIT FERRIES ON SAN FRANCISCO BAY

High-speed ferries enjoy popularity with tourists the world over, but whether they could be a practical solution to the growing traffic problems faced by San Francisco Bay Area commuters is the subject of High Speed Water Transit Study released by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) in April 1985. The 8-month study, which commenced in August 1984, was prompted by proposals from several individuals to operate high-speed water transit vessels from various points on the San Francisco Bay into San Francisco. In general, these proposers were seeking assistance in overcoming legal and institutional barriers they were encountering; in some cases, they were seeking funding assistance as well. MTC's original goal for this study was to provide a resource tool for sponsors considering launching new ferry service. In the ensuing months since publication of the study, MTC has gone on to take an active role in seeking relaxation of the legal restrictions blocking expanded ferry service on the Bay. This article presents a summary of the key findings of the study as they relate to the potential for high-speed water transit along five corridors of the San Francisco Bay. Where appropriate, preliminary conclusions that may be useful to other parts of themore » country are offered.« less