SF’s New UCSF/Mission Bay Ferry Starts in 2027
San Francisco is set to enhance its public transportation network with the addition of an all-electric ferry service to Mission Bay, scheduled to launch in 2027. This innovative project aims to provide a sustainable, zero-emission commute option, significantly benefiting UCSF employees, patients, and visitors to the area. The project recently secured a $55 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Ports Program, accelerating its progress toward completion.
The ferry terminal will be strategically located just south of Bayfront Park at 16th Street and Terry A. Francois Boulevard. Once operational, the service is projected to accommodate up to 6,000 passengers daily. As the first high-speed, zero-emission ferry service in the United States, the Mission Bay route represents a significant step forward in green transportation. The terminal’s construction will include dredging, pier construction, and the installation of electric charging infrastructure to support the new fleet of vessels.
Mission Bay continues to emerge as a vibrant hub within San Francisco, with the ferry terminal serving as a critical link for the growing community. Its proximity to UCSF’s facilities will provide enhanced access to high-quality healthcare services and job opportunities, while also offering a convenient travel option for those visiting family members receiving care.
The initiative is part of UCSF’s broader commitment to community investment and neighborhood revitalization. Since establishing its presence in Mission Bay in 2003, UCSF has contributed significantly to local development. Alongside its $4 million commitment to the ferry terminal, UCSF has pledged $10.55 million for improvements in the Dogpatch neighborhood. These efforts include the renovation of Esprit Park, a stair connector at 22nd Street, and the development of the Dogpatch Community Hub.
The ferry terminal’s development is a collaborative effort involving city, state, and federal funding. With construction expected to begin in 2025, initial work will focus on maintenance dredging and marine demolition, followed by the construction of the terminal itself in 2026. The timeline aligns with environmental regulations that govern in-water work within the San Francisco Bay.
In addition to the terminal, nearby Agua Vista Park will undergo landscape improvements, enhancing the area’s appeal. The Mission Bay ferry route is poised to become the cornerstone of a broader network of zero-emission ferry services, connecting San Francisco to destinations such as Alameda, Oakland, Richmond, and Vallejo. This forward-thinking initiative underscores San Francisco’s commitment to sustainability and its vision for a greener, more connected future.
