Commission approves five-year license for San Francisco Water Taxi LLC

The Port Commission voted to approve a five-year license, with a five-year option, for San Francisco Water Taxi LLC to operate a point-to-point water-taxi service calling at Pier 1.5 (Pier 1/2) and High Street Harbor. The license limits vessels to those under 60 feet in length with a maximum capacity of 49 passengers and requires Coast Guard certification for passenger service. The operator will pay the Port 7% of gross revenues and must provide insurance and a security deposit acceptable to the Port's risk manager.

Peter Daley, Deputy Director of Maritime, described the agreement as the result of a two-year staff effort and said the license is meant to complement ferry services rather than operate as a ferry or excursion vessel. "We have negotiated an agreement with a company called San Francisco Water Taxi LLC," Daley said, introducing founder John Scannell. Scannell said his small business hopes to "connect the dots" between waterfront destinations and to serve as a "plan B" for missed ferries and late-night travelers.

Several public speakers and maritime-industry representatives voiced support. Captain Ray Shipway, representing mariners and vessel operators, thanked the Port and the operator for working with organized labor and said the proposal provides employment opportunities for trained mariners. Simon Snelgrove and other longtime advocates called the proposal a small but important step toward a broader water-taxi network.

The Commission approved the license by voice vote. Staff said the operator aims to have a vessel in the water within six months and that organized-labor arrangements were under discussion but that the operator agreed to pay prevailing wages where applicable and to negotiate in good faith with union representatives.

Next steps include finalizing the license paperwork, insurance and security deposits and coordinating with labor and berth managers to permit operations.