We’re all invited to celebrate Woodstock’s second birthday on Friday, July 31, at 11:45 a.m., at Bohol Circle Immigrant Park (near the dock) here in Alameda—and there will be free cupcakes (while supplies last).
It’s a double celebration for the popular Oakland Alameda Water Shuttle, the City of Alameda has announced, because Woodstock will continue sailing across the Oakland Estuary through at least June 2028. Happy Birthday, Woodstock!
Since its launch on July 17, 2024, Woodstock has become a beloved and reliable way for people traveling on foot and by bicycle to cross between Alameda Landing (behind Target, at the Bohol Circle Immigrant Park dock) and Oakland’s Jack London Square. It operates six days a week—Tuesday through Sunday—for 12 to 14 hours a day, and accommodates up to 31 passengers and 14 bicycles (on bike racks).
Alameda City Council approved the Phase 2 Shuttle Pilot, building 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.
“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.”
Phase 1 exceeded expectations
The first phase of the water shuttle delivered results that surpassed projections. A few highlights from the first 24 months of service:
- Woodstock carried 251,000 passengers and 60,000 bicycles across the estuary.
- The shuttle expanded Service from five to six days a week to meet rising demand.
- The weekly trip count expanded by 84%, from 187 to 345 trips per week.
- May 2026 featured record-breaking ridership, including the highest single day number to date—1,039 riders!
- In May 2025, Woodstock received a Transportation Planning Award of Excellence from the American Planning Association, California Chapter – Northern Section.
“These ridership numbers speak for themselves,” said Rochelle Wheeler, the shuttle’s 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.”
One reason Woodstock is so popular is that it welcomes everyone. The free, ADA-accessible shuttle is designed for pedestrians and bicyclists, making sustainable travel between the two cities easy and enjoyable.
“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.”
Phase 2 promises to be even better
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.
According to the City of Alameda, the partnership will continue to pursue key goals over the next few years, 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.
