Rising diesel costs prompt San Francisco Bay Ferry service cut starting November

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Record-high diesel prices are forcing the San Francisco Bay Ferry system to reduce service, with one weekday trip between San Francisco and Vallejo scheduled to be eliminated beginning in November.

The ferry agency says cutting the one midday trip to Vallejo will save as much as $250,000 as fuel costs continue to climb.

The change comes as fuel prices remain elevated across California, and where diesel prices have climbed significantly higher than regular gasoline.

For many Bay Area residents, rising fuel costs are already influencing daily decisions.

"Gas is already expensive," said Brittany Robinson of San Francisco. "I literally just sold our car...five days ago because of gas prices."

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Robinson was traveling by ferry to Vallejo to visit her parents when she learned of the upcoming service reduction.

Beginning in November, the 11:30 a.m. ferry departure from downtown San Francisco to Vallejo will be eliminated.

"That trip usually carries 8 to 10 passengers on average," said Alexis Matsui of SF Bay Ferry.

Some riders said they understand the agency's decision.

"Honestly, that's how gas is. It's super expensive these days," said Bay Area resident Alana Guido. "I don't blame them for doing that."

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"I think that's fine. As long as it accommodates whoever, and where it is they are going," Robinson said.

The agency noted that passengers will still have alternative travel options, including ferry departures scheduled approximately one hour before and after the eliminated trip.

SF Bay Ferry officials said volatile diesel costs are the primary reason for the service reduction.

"Our diesel ferry boats rely on obviously a lot of diesel to power them," Matsui said. "We are looking for ways to decrease our fuel usage with the minimal impact on our passengers."

While SF Bay Ferry is eliminating one trip, Golden Gate Ferry is not making any service changes at this time.

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SF Bay Ferry also said it does not currently plan to raise fares, though officials acknowledged future increases may become necessary if diesel prices continue rising.

"We are committed to making the ferry an affordable reliable alternative to driving," Matsui said. "We are looking at possible 50 cents spread out across the system."

Officials said roughly 3 million people ride the San Francisco Bay Ferry system each year. The agency operates about 152 transbay trips during the workweek.

Looking ahead, SF Bay Ferry plans to add fully battery-electric ferries next year.

For now, officials say reducing a lightly used route is one way to manage rising operating costs, while minimizing the impact on riders.