Thomas Hall

This Service Vision and Business Plan outlines a roadmap for reimagining water transit in the San Francisco Bay Area, aiming to make ferry travel more accessible, sustainable, and climate resilient by 2050. The plan is guided by four key pillars: Enhance, Expand, Electrify, and Emergency Response, alongside six focus areas including Regional Ferry Network, Environmental Stewardship, and Financial Capacity. It aims to develop stronger, more resilient ferry networks that are regionally connected, socially equitable, and environmentally sustainable.

The board meeting commenced with roll call and the pledge of allegiance. Key discussion points included the commissioning ceremony for the MV Zelofus, which is the 19th vessel added to the fleet, with the 20th vessel being non-diesel. Directors also provided updates on the RFP for the City of Vallejo's waterfront specific plan and milestones in the development of the country's first high-speed battery electric ferry, noting the rapid progress in electrification efforts over the past five years. Financial reports for Fiscal Year 2025 were presented, noting an unmodified opinion from auditors and an increase in net position to $513 million, largely due to capital assets. Ridership reports indicated November boardings reached 91% of pre-pandemic levels (2019 figures), with strong commute numbers and success in the new $1 youth ticket and $20 day pass program. An incident regarding potential property damage from a vessel's wake during the lighted yacht parade was flagged for investigation. Discussions also touched upon the successful rollout of Clipper card payments.

The board meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. Key discussions included an update on the departure of a member from the Bay Area Council to join California Forever, focusing on housing, jobs, and the potential for local shipbuilding for future SF Bay Ferry vessels. There were commendations for the departing member's tenure and vision. The Vice Chair noted positive media coverage of the SF Ferry service and the importance of public transit during adverse weather conditions. Staff reports covered the successful completion of a functional emergency response exercise focused on initial response following a catastrophic earthquake, which involved over 90% staff participation and testing of the virtual Emergency Operations Center platform. The Blue and Gold Fleet operations team also participated for the first time. The board also addressed potential operational challenges, such as quickly evacuating passengers across the Bay following a major earthquake, confirming that newer facilities are built to high seismic standards.

The Board meeting agenda included several key actions and informational reports. Action items involved approving the contract award to Bay Ship & Yacht Co. for the MV Lyra Repairs and Drydock Services, and approving actions relative to RFQ 25-056 Seaplane Lagoon Electrification Materials Procurement, resulting in a contract award to Wesco Distribution, Inc. for construction materials. The Board was also scheduled to approve an amendment to the agreement with Blue & Gold Fleet for a 6-month extension. Informational items included reports on the Executive Director's activities, financial statements ending November 30, 2025, Federal and State Legislative Reports, the Ridership Report for December 2025, and the Service Reliability Report for November 2025. A South San Francisco Service Study was also presented for information.

The regular board meeting covered several operational and planning items. Staff reported on the commissioning of the MV Zalophus, the progress toward fleet electrification including the first weld on the country's first high-speed battery electric ferry, and the release of a request for proposal for the City of Vallejo's waterfront update. Grant awards supporting affordable housing, sustainable communities, and electrification infrastructure were highlighted, alongside strong ridership numbers boosted by a youth ticket program. Key actions included the approval of the December 11, 2025, minutes and the adoption of a resolution approving the contract award to Tritium Power Solutions Inc. for two float-mounted charging systems, which presented substantial cost savings. Informational items included an update on the South San Francisco service study, which noted the route's low ridership since 2019, and an overview of the 2050 Business Plan update, focusing on capital plan scenarios and service vision objectives. The independent auditor's reports for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, were received, with the auditor issuing an "unmodified opinion."