Ferry dust

I have long lamented the lack of dining options in the Port of Redwood City, as the two restaurants that previously operated there closed years ago. While I enjoy the ambiance of being on the water, I also value having reasons to spend time in the port. Aside from special events like the Fourth of July fireworks, PortFest, and the port’s “Rock the Dock” concert series, few people other than boat owners visit the port. This is unfortunate, as the port is an amenity that distinguishes Redwood City from almost every other Peninsula city.

The port managers have been working for years to add another reason for residents of Redwood City and surrounding communities to visit: ferry service to San Francisco. While regular commuter service is likely still years away — assuming it comes to fruition — this summer, ferries will run between the port and San Francisco for select Giants games, providing a fun new way to attend these games.

As a longtime Caltrain rider, I’m a proponent of mass transit and consider all options when traveling to places like San Francisco. Considering traffic, parking difficulty and cost, Caltrain is often a good choice. Years ago, while working in tech, I frequently spent entire days at Moscone Center and took Caltrain from the Fourth and Townsend station, as I didn’t mind the walk. Similarly, Caltrain has proven ideal for attending San Francisco Giants games, given its proximity to Oracle Park and the increasing cost of parking.

Taking a ferry instead of Caltrain is an intriguing option I would definitely consider. For Giants games, walking to the ballpark from the ferry docks at Pier 48 takes about 10 minutes. Parking at the Redwood City end is plentiful and free. The ferry ride should take about the same amount of time as a train ride: Water Emergency Transportation Authority estimates the trip will take roughly an hour each way, compared to a 54-minute Caltrain ride (bullet trains complete the trip in just under 45 minutes). However, Caltrain is cheaper: A ticket from Redwood City costs $6 each way, while the ferry service for Giants games costs $18.75 per person each way (reduced fares of $14 are available for those under 18, over 64, or disabled). For the extra cost, you get to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the Bay and avoid potentially crowded Caltrain cars.

This limited ferry service from Redwood City to San Francisco will run on July 28, Aug. 11, Sept. 1 and Sept. 15. Ferries will depart from Redwood City’s F dock (located just north of the Marina, close to the parking lot off Seaport Court) at 11:15 a.m., arriving at Pier 48 about an hour later. Returning ferries will depart from Pier 48 30 minutes after the final out, not at 10:59 p.m. as shown on the tickets. Due to limited availability, WETA recommends purchasing tickets online in advance.

This limited service will partly gauge interest in a regular commuter ferry. Regular service, which would operate from a yet-to-be-constructed dock at the end of Seaport Boulevard (northeast of Pacific Shores), will only be implemented if a cost-benefit analysis proves favorable. Personally, I hope it does. While I might not be a regular commuter, I could see myself taking the ferry occasionally for a day in the city. In the event of a major emergency, having this infrastructure and service in place could be valuable for transporting people in and out of the area.

Greg Wilson is the creator of Walking Redwood City, a blog inspired by his walks throughout Redwood City and adjacent communities. He can be reached at greg@walkingredwoodcity.com. Follow Greg on Twitter @walkingRWC.