A long-envisioned ferry connection between Redwood City and the greater Bay Area has reached a pivotal stage with the Port of Redwood City’s release of the Redwood City Ferry Terminal Draft Environmental Impact Report for public review and comment.
Released Sept. 17, the Draft EIR represents one of the most significant milestones to date for the proposed ferry terminal and future development of the surrounding 9.2-acre site. It reflects years of planning, technical analysis and collaboration among the Port, the City of Redwood City and San Francisco Bay Ferry.
About the ferry project
At the heart of the project is proposed ferry service connecting the Port of Redwood City with San Francisco and Oakland. The proposed ferry could carry up to 320 passengers, with an estimated travel time of approximately 61 minutes to San Francisco and 71 minutes to Oakland.
“We are thrilled to have reached this milestone in this landmark project for the Mid-Peninsula. This proposed service would implement Measure A’s sales tax funding to provide a meaningful alternative to sitting in traffic,” said Redwood City Mayor Elmer Martinez Saballos. “The project will help take single-occupancy vehicles off our congested highways while better connecting Redwood City to the broader Bay Area.”
Beyond expanding transportation options, the proposed project would create a more welcoming and accessible waterfront. Planned public amenities include an extension of the Bay Trail, a separated bicycle trail, pedestrian connections, benches, picnic tables, restrooms and secure bicycle storage.
The ferry terminal would also strengthen the Port’s critical role as a Federal Emergency Management Agency-designated Federal Staging Area for the South San Francisco Bay region. During a major disaster, when roads, bridges or airports may be inaccessible, the Port and ferry system could transport first responders and critical supplies into affected areas and help evacuate residents.
The proposed project could also become a powerful economic catalyst for Redwood City, transforming this site into a vibrant waterfront destination supporting commercial, hospitality and recreational activity. The Draft EIR envisions future hotel, restaurant, retail, meeting and event uses that could support approximately 400 new jobs, attract visitors and create new opportunities for commerce at the Port and throughout the community.
“Transportation access and economic vitality go hand in hand,” said Rosanne Foust, who is a board member for the San Francisco Bay Ferry and president and CEO of the San Mateo County Economic Development Association. “By connecting the Mid-Peninsula more directly with San Francisco and Oakland, this project could expand access to jobs and talent, support new waterfront businesses and help keep San Mateo County competitive for generations to come.”
San Francisco Bay Ferry, operated by the San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority, is anticipated to provide the scheduled service. The system uses Clipper for fare payment and connects passengers with other public transportation services, including BART, Muni, Caltrain, SamTrans and AC Transit.
The project is eligible for up to $15 million in San Mateo County Measure A transportation sales tax funding and would require local matching funds.
How to weigh In on the Draft EIR
The public is encouraged to review the Draft EIR and submit comments by 5 p.m. Nov. 2. Comments may be submitted by email to [email protected] or by mail or hand delivery to:
Don Snaman, Project Manager
Port of Redwood City
675 Seaport Blvd.
Redwood City, CA 94063
A public meeting on the Draft EIR will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Oct. 7 in the Board of Commissioners meeting room at the Port office, 675 Seaport Blvd. in Redwood City.
The Draft EIR was prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act. It provides decision-makers, regulatory agencies and the public with information about the project’s potential environmental effects and proposed measures to reduce those effects.
Printed copies are available for review at the following locations:
- Port of Redwood City, 675 Seaport Blvd., Redwood City
- Downtown Library, 1044 Middlefield Road, Redwood City
- Redwood Shores Branch Library, 399 Marine Parkway, Redwood City
