MV DORADO JOINS THE FLEET |
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Your next ride on San Francisco Bay Ferry just might be on MV Dorado, the newest state-of-the-art high-speed vessel in our fleet.
WETA Vice Chair Monique Moyer christened the new ferry at an event in Downtown San Francisco on May 26, joined by Shamann Walton, President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, and Alfredo Pedroza, Chair of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. MV Dorado is entering service on Central Bay routes this week, and will rotate around the system this summer as WETA collects data on its performance.
Some highlights about the new 320-passenger ferry include:
- MV Dorado is the fastest vessel in WETA’s fleet with a service speed of 36 knots
- MV Dorado is the first boat built for WETA that can safely dock at any of the system’s 12 ferry terminals
- MV Dorado has expansive outdoor passenger space to allow more riders to experience a fresh-air trip across the Bay
The ferry was built by Mavrik Marine in La Conner, Wash. It’s the first of four ferries planned in the Dorado class, with MV Delphinus scheduled to arrive in the Bay in early 2023.
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SF BAY FERRY'S MERCH STORE, THE AFT DECK, LAUNCHES
Ferry riders can now show their love for riding the ferry in more ways and styles. WETA has launched The Aft Deck, a one-stop shop for San Francisco Bay Ferry merch including t-shirts and other ferry-themed merchandise. We are thrilled to give riders a way to show their love for the best way to cross the Bay.
In the coming months, we plan to add additional products and designs to the shop. We’ll also invite local artists to work with us with the aim to further develop ferry-themed designs that will showcase the talent and creative energy that is ever-present in the Bay Area. Artists and designers: stay tuned for that.
Currently, San Francisco Bay Ferry merchandise is available exclusively via The Aft Deck webstore powered by the e-commerce platform, Spring.
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MORE PASSENGER EXPERIENCE UPGRADES ON THE WAY
We are working to upgrade your ferry experience by delivering a handful of new passenger services and amenities through summer 2022.
In addition to welcoming the MV Dorado to the fleet, here’s what we have in store:
- A new app and ticketing system to make non-Clipper fare payment easier than ever
- The launch of real-time ferry information to help you get to where you need to go
- Additional signage and wayfinding at the Downtown San Francisco Terminal to better help with passenger flow during busy times of the day
If you have ridden your bike or scooter onboard the ferry lately, you might have already begun to experience some changes as the bike and scooter disembarkation policy has been streamlined across the system. This policy change was put in place to ensure consistency on all routes and let passengers disembark in an orderly fashion as ridership grows.
As more people return to the ferries, we want to make sure that people ride not only for the great views and unparalleled commute, but also for the quality passenger experience that we provide. We hope riders enjoy the updated ferry experience as we continually aim to make the ferry the best way to cross the Bay.
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RICHMOND FERRY FEST IS JUNE 11
The Richmond Ferry Fest is coming on Saturday, June 11. We are proud to be partnering with Columbia Sportswear, Richmond Promise, Urban Remedy, Assemble Marketplace and the Craneway Pavilion to provide a day of fun on the waterfront. Attendance is free, but we encourage those interested to register on Eventbrite.
At the Ferry Fest, free harbor rides aboard the MV Dorado will be available. Plus, Bike East Bay will be hosting a Bike Rodeo safety class free for kids, so make sure to bring your bike. (The Ferry Fest will be adjacent to the Bay Trail.) Local dignitaries in attendance will include Richmond Mayor Tom Butt as well as Contra Costa County Supervisor John M. Gioia to join us in celebrating the Richmond community. Live entertainment with local favorite DJ Rich, poet David Flores, food and drink from Assemble Marketplace, children’s activities and food will be there as well, right at the Richmond Ferry Terminal from 9 AM to 3 PM on June 11.
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DOCK-TIONARY: LINES AND ROPES
Welcome back to Dock-tionary, where we help ferry fans learn how to speak boat. This month, we’re breaking down the difference between a rope and a line and their importance in efficient ferry operations.
Ropes and lines are similar; however, their respective distinction plays an important role for crews and the successful maneuvering of marine vessels. Ropes are defined as any type of cordage that can be used by the crew for any task that needs to be executed. As you can imagine, and depending on the size of the vessel, there can be many ropes aboard capable of countless different jobs.
However, once the rope is assigned a specific role, it becomes defined as a line. While physically similar, this distinction between a rope and a line helps crews to communicate more effectively as is crucial to understanding what a fellow crew member is referring when giving necessary orders.
To delineate the difference further, a line is always described with the job it performs. For example, when crews secure a ferry vessel to a terminal, dock lines are used which help to hold the vessel to the dock as passengers board and alight.
Next month: the difference between dock lines and spring lines.
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FERRY TALES: MICHAEL
Why is San Francisco Bay Ferry the best way to cross the bay?
The crews are awesome, very professional, and keep the ferries super clean. The ferry is always on time and and in the afternoons, you can enjoy drinks and libations. It is really a great experience.
What is your favorite ferry memory?
I am the friendly type and I like meeting fellow commuters and finding out about their life stories.
How would you describe the atmosphere on the ferry?
Mornings are quiet. During the afternoons, there are more conversations and even friendly card games.
What is your favorite ferry amenity?
Hot chocolate on cold days!
Describe San Francisco Bay Ferry in one word.
Pleasant.
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