ALAMEDA, CA — The City of Alameda is thrilled to announce that the Oakland Alameda Water Shuttle, affectionately named “Woodstock,” will continue sailing across the Oakland Estuary through at least June 2028, because, on July 21, the Alameda City Council approved the Phase 2 Shuttle Pilot that builds on two years of exceptional ridership, strong community demand, and a proven public-private partnership with multiple partners including San Francisco Bay Ferry (WETA), the Alameda Transportation Management Association (Alameda TMA), and the Port of Oakland.
Since its launch on July 17, 2024, Woodstock has become a beloved and reliable way for people on foot and bike to cross between Alameda Landing in Alameda and Jack London Square in Oakland.
A Pilot That Exceeded Expectations
The first phase of the Water Shuttle delivered results that surpassed projections. Highlights from the first 24 months of service include:
- Carried 251,000 passengers and 60,000 bicycles across the Estuary.
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Expanded Service from 5 to 6 days per week to meet rising demand.
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Increased weekly trips by 84%, from 187 to 345 trips per week.
- Achieved record-breaking ridership in May 2026, including the highest single day ridership to date with 1,039 riders.
- In May 2025, received a Transportation Planning Award of Excellence from the American Planning Association, California Chapter – Northern Section.
This free, ADA-accessible shuttle is designed to welcome pedestrians and bicyclists, making sustainable travel between the two cities easy and enjoyable.
What Phase 2 Delivers
The Phase 2 Pilot secures service from July 2026 through June 2028, giving the partnership time to refine operations and plan for the shuttle's long-term future. Two grants totaling $1,475,000 from the Alameda County Transportation Commission (Alameda CTC) anchor the public funding, while $1,565,000 in private partner contributions from transportation management associations and waterfront partners reflect the community's continued investment in the service. Additional in-kind staff contributions and a local City match also support the shuttle.
Phase 2 continues the same proven inter-agency operations model, with the City of Alameda serving as project manager, funding coordinator, and Alameda dock provider, while WETA, operating as SF Bay Ferry, handles day-to-day service operations and vessel maintenance. The Alameda TMA contributes to and coordinates partner funding and provides in-kind support, while the West Alameda Transportation Demand Management Association (WATDMA) is a key funding partner. The Jack London Improvement District is another contributor, and Jack London Square / Port of Oakland is a major funding contributor and also provides berthing space at Jack London Square.
Voices Behind the Water Shuttle
"The Oakland Alameda Water Shuttle demonstrates that when neighbors, businesses, and public agencies work together, we can create something truly special," said Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft. "This little yellow boat has connected our communities in ways we couldn’t imagine. We are delighted to keep it moving for another two years."
"These ridership numbers speak for themselves," said Rochelle Wheeler, Senior Transportation Coordinator and Project Manager. "Residents, commuters and visitors have embraced the shuttle as a genuine transit option that gets people out of their cars and directly to their destinations. Phase 2 gives us the runway to plan for the long term."
"We are honored to continue operating this award-winning service," said Seamus Murphy, SF Bay Ferry Executive Director. "Woodstock shows how thoughtful partnerships can deliver reliable, sustainable connections across the Bay."
Photos of the vessel are available for media use at https://photos.app.goo.gl/SPgBbVZY8PZ6UoYp7
Plans to Celebrate
Come celebrate Woodstock’s 2nd Birthday on Friday, July 31st at 11:45am at Bohol Circle Immigrant Park in Alameda. Festivities, including a short program, and cupcakes (while supplies last) will take place near the dock.
Looking Ahead
Over the next two years, the partnership will continue to pursue key goals, including advancing plans for a fully electric vessel to meet regulatory requirements, developing a long-term feasibility study, and identifying sustained funding sources beyond 2028.
The Water Shuttle’s schedule is available at watershuttle.org or alamedaca.gov/watershuttle.
Media Contact:
Alyssa Tomfohrde, City of Alameda | ATomfohrde@AlamedaCA.gov | 510-747-7490 Alexis Matsui, SF Bay Ferry | Alexis.Matsui@SFBayFerry.com | 415-364-1753
