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Nina Rannells News

05 Mar 2019

Pyxis Joins Bay Area Ferries

The San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA) has welcomed Pyxis, a new 445-passenger ferry, into the San Francisco Bay Ferry fleet.Pyxis is the first new vessel added to Vallejo ferry service in some 15 years, said a release from the public transit passenger ferry service in the San Francisco Bay.Pyxis is the fifth new ferry WETA has added to its San Francisco Bay Ferry fleet since 2017. Carina, a 400-passenger ferry, entered service in February 2019. Hydrus, Cetus and Argo – all also 400-passenger ferries – joined the fleet in 2017 and 2018.“Vallejo ferry passengers are going to love riding Pyxis,” said Nina Rannells, WETA’s executive director. “Our ridership has doubled since 2012, and we are working to grow our fleet to accommodate this growth.

14 Sep 2017

EPA Tier 4 Propulsion for New San Francisco Ferries

(Photo: MTU)

Rolls-Royce said it has won an order to deliver its first EPA Tier 4-compliant propulsion systems from MTU to WETA (Water Emergency Transportation Authority) for installation in three brand-new catamaran ferries. The first of the three high-speed ferries is expected to enter service on the San Francisco Bay in late 2018. The San Francisco Bay is subject to special environmental protection. “Our goal is to operate a ferry service that is sustainable, cost-efficient and eco-friendly,” said Nina Rannells, WETA Executive Director.

19 May 2017

San Francisco’s New Ferry Enters Service

Photo: Incat Crowther

Hydrus, the first in a series of new 400-passenger catamaran ferries for the Water and Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA) in San Francisco, has entered service. Designed by Incat Crowther and built by Vigor in Seattle, Hydrus is the first of this new class of vessel with additional ferries to follow. “In the spring of 2015, Vigor began construction on the first of two WETA ferries in this class,” said Tim Kolb, General Manager of Vigor Ballard. “It’s an efficient design and very environmentally friendly”.

24 Feb 2017

Vigor to Build 2 More San Francisco Ferries

Photo: Vigor

Vigor said it was awarded the contract to build two additional ferries for WETA (the Water Emergency Transportation Authority) in San Francisco, Calif. The shipbuilder started constructing the first two WETA ferries in this class in spring 2015, said Tim Kolb, General Manager of Vigor Ballard. Under the latest contract, the two new hulls will be constructed at Vigor Ballard (formerly Kvichak) and the superstructure at Vigor’s Harbor Island shipyard. Designed by Incat Crowther…

15 Jul 2014

Ferry Return Adds to SF Bay Passenger Capacity

SF Bay Ferry says that its passenger loads increased significantly in 2013 and continue to increase in 2014. The refurbished 250 passenger Bay Breeze will bring needed additional carrying capacity to San Francisco Bay Ferry’s Harbor Bay/San Francisco service thereby relieving occasional overcrowding. New control and navigation systems will reduce maintenance costs and increase vessel’s service life. Improved passenger seating, along with restroom, and snack bar renovations will enhance the already enjoyable Bay crossing. Onboard bicycle capacity increased to 32 bikes. ADA accessible restroom and wheelchair tie-downs. Improved WiFi service. Flat panel monitors for real-time vessel location display and safety announcements. Pull down trays on selected seats.

16 May 2012

New San Francisco Ferry Service Set to Start

San Francisco Bay Ferry's much-anticipated service between the East Bay and South San Francisco will launch on Monday, June 4, giving commuters a fast, stress-free alternative to the daily grind of traffic on the Bay Bridge and along Highway 101. Commuters will have the option to enjoy a comfortable and scenic 40- to 50-minute ride aboard sleek, modern vessels equipped with free WiFi and a host of other amenities. And, their fare is free for the first week of service. Commuters may reserve their free seat on a first-come, first-served basis by visiting www.sanfranciscobayferry.com.

12 Oct 2011

WETA Awarded Blue & Gold Fleet Five-Year Contract

Water Emergency Transportation Authority Awards Ferry Operating Contract to Blue & Gold Fleet. At its October 6 Board of Directors meeting, the San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA) awarded Blue & Gold Fleet ("B&GF") a five-year contract for the operation of WETA's San Francisco Bay Ferry services. San Francisco Bay Ferry, which recently assumed operation of the Alameda/Oakland and Harbor Bay Ferries, provides daily commute and excursion service between Alameda, Oakland, San Francisco, and Harbor Bay. In early 2012, San Francisco Bay Ferry plans to launch new ferry service between South San Francisco and the East Bay and to assume operation of the City of Vallejo's Baylink ferry operating between Vallejo and San Francisco.

15 Oct 2009

S. San Fran. Ferry Terminal Construction Begins

Construction on the South San Francisco Ferry Terminal begins at Oyster Point Marina with an official groundbreaking ceremony. At 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 19, 2009 civic leaders will kick-off the start of construction of the $26m ferry terminal. Ferry service is scheduled to launch in 2011. Congresswoman Jackie Speier, along with South San Francisco Mayor Karyl Matsumoto and WETA Board Chair Charlene Haught Johnson will turn over the first spade of dirt commencing the start of construction. The project will provide one hundred seventy (170) construction-related jobs & over twenty new full-time maritime operations and supervisory jobs.