There’s good news for all of us who ride the little yellow Oakland Alameda Water Shuttle [1], commonly known as Woodstock [2]. The cross-estuary ferry will be testing expanded service starting July 8, including operating six days a week with the addition of Tuesdays.
[3]According to an announcement from the City of Alameda, the new schedule will be in place for at least four months—or longer if it’s successful and adequate funding is available. Changes include:
- New Tuesday service – Tuesday will have the same schedule as Wednesday and Thursday, which will not change from what it is today.
- Expanded Friday, Saturday and Sunday service – More trips and longer operating hours.
- 63 trips per day.
- 15 hours of service, 7:20 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- Shorter breaks in service.
- Same morning departures all six days.
- The first nine departures of every day will be at the same time.
The City hopes this 35% increase in weekly departures, along with other enhancements, will lure in new riders and encourage existing riders to use Woodstock more often.
Represent Woodstock as a volunteer at the 4th of July parade
Ten lucky volunteers will represent Woodstock in Alameda’s famous 4th of July parade this year. The City is looking for 10 outgoing and enthusiastic people to walk, bike, or scooter in the Woodstock contingent. You’ll get one of our coveted water shuttle T-shirts to wear while you hand out postcards and giveaways. We’ll also have signs to carry or hang on bikes.
Volunteers who are chosen will line up at 9 a.m. in eastern Alameda, and be ready to walk/ride/scooter the full 3.3 miles, starting at 10 a.m. The City will provide music to make it even more fun.
Interested? Fill out and submit the online suggestion form [4] with your name and email address by Monday, July 1. Please note if you can carry a banner. Any questions? Email Sarah Henry at [email protected] [5].
[6]Resources
When it comes to Woodstock, there’s always someone to contact with your question, comment, or concern:
- Operational issues – Call SF Bay Ferry at 877-64-FERRY or email [email protected] [7].
- Real-time service alerts – Sign up for SF Bay Ferry Bay Alerts [8] to get text or email alerts about service disruptions. Select “Route OAS – Oakland Alameda Water Shuttle.
- Suggestions or feedback – How’s Woodstock working for you? Or how could it be more useful? Let the City know by filling out Use this form [9].
And if you just want to know what’s going on with Woodstock, sign up online [10] to get on the mailing list.
Who’s paying for all this?
Grant funding for Woodstock is provided by your County Vehicle Registration Fees, Measure BB Transportation Sales Tax dollars and Transportation Fund for Clean Air funds.