The City of Alameda is boosting security at its ferry terminals to improve rider safety. Starting immediately, a security guard will be present at the Harbor Bay Ferry Terminal every weekday. This enhancement responds to rider feedback and is being implemented in coordination with San Francisco Bay Ferry. The City also plans to extend security guard presence at the Seaplane Lagoon and Main Street Ferry terminals in the future, pending paid parking beginning at Seaplane Lagoon.
To fund increased security measures, the City will introduce paid parking at Harbor Bay this summer, and at Seaplane Lagoon in late summer or fall. Although pay stations have already been installed at Harbor Bay, they are not yet active.
The rate will be $3 per day on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays only. This targeted approach aims to increase parking space availability on these typically busier weekdays, ensuring that those who take later ferries can find parking. Drivers will be able to pay for parking via mobile app, text, or on-site pay stations.
The City is prioritizing a convenient mobile payment option that will allow ferry riders to pay for parking after boarding their ferry. The exact launch date for paid parking at Harbor Pay is contingent on the finalization of logistics for this remote payment system.
The City will work closely with San Francisco Bay Ferry to inform the public well in advance of the launch, utilizing various communication channels, including flyers on vehicles and on-board announcements.
Other ways to get to Harbor Bay terminal
Ferry riders are encouraged to explore alternative transportation to the terminals, especially on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Options include traveling on Mondays and Fridays instead of midweek, taking the bus, biking, walking, carpooling, or getting dropped off. Drivers should note that two-hour parking restrictions are currently enforced on some streets near the Harbor Bay Ferry Terminal.
AC Transit Line 21 offers free service with a ferry transfer using a Clipper card and will continue its direct service to Harbor Bay Ferry Terminal when AC Transit implements its Realign Plan later this year.
More detailed information regarding ferry parking is available on the City of Alameda’s Ferry Terminal & Transit Parking web page. Also see the City’s Get Around Alameda web page. To receive email updates on parking in Alameda, sign up for the mailing list online.
Other parking updates around town
In other parking news, the City has replaced the broken pay stations on Park Street from Central Avenue to San Jose Avenue. The new pay stations are not yet activated, so payment will not be required until this summer—but existing parking time limits remain in effect, so you can still get a ticket if you stay too long. Be sure to check the information screens on the new pay stations if you park in this area.
More big news: Mobile payments will be accepted soon. The City is preparing to launch mobile payment options for parking throughout Alameda. Residents and visitors are encouraged to install the ParkSmarter app on your phones now to be ready when this convenient payment method becomes available.
