This application will provide funding replace three (3) existing public ferry terminal floats providing service in the SAN francisco BAY

The Federal Transit Administration awarded the San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA) $19.875 million on June 16, 2026, under the Federal Transit Formula Grants program (CFDA 20.507) to replace three existing public ferry terminal floats serving the San Francisco Bay.

The floats will be constructed in the United States to meet Buy America requirements and support domestic shipbuilding. The project improves WETA's state of good repair and enables docking for new vessels. WETA forecasts that the replacement floats will support 1.248 million walk-on annual passengers by 2030, a 25 percent increase from 2024 projections. The floats are projected to generate substantial reductions in noise and air pollution.

Federal funding of $15.9 million represents 80 percent of the eligible project cost; the remaining 20 percent ($3.975 million) comes from regional bridge tolls as local match. The project is expected to create over 2,300 jobs in the United States. Performance of performance extends from award date through March 30, 2031, and takes place in California.

The project supports FTA priorities of connecting communities, renewing the nation's transit systems, and reducing vehicle miles traveled. WETA offers free fares for children under 5 and half fares for children through age 18.

Activities

The project would replace three (3) of wetas ferry terminal floats to improve the systems state of good repair and ensure boat docking for new vessels.

Expected outcomes

The requested funding will support ftas priorities including connecting communities renewing our nations transit systems and reducing vehicle miles traveled. The replacement floats under this funding request would be made to existing infrastructure in the weta system. The reduction in noise pollution and air pollution resulting from improvements to the ferry service will be substantial.

Intended beneficiaries

Weta forecasts that the 2030 projected annual ridership for walk on passengers served by the project is 1248000 an increase of 25% from the 2024 projected annual ridership. Floats will be built in the USA and will meet all buy america requirements and foster growth in domestic shipbuilding. The project provides economic opportunity by creating over 2300 jobs in the US. Supports families and communities by providing a safe reliable way to cross the BAY in a virtually silent safe and fast ferry. The project serves both commuters as well as families including free fares for children under 5 and half fares for kids until age 18.