Port staff presents water‑taxi feasibility study, recommends market outreach

Port staff on Tuesday presented a feasibility study that outlines how water‑taxi service might operate along San Francisco’s waterfront, identifying tourist and event markets but warning that ridership prospects are speculative and capital costs are high.

Consultants Veronica Sanchez and Charlie Walther told the Port Commission the study focused on ridership niches: overflow from the crowded F line, repeat visitors seeking a different shoreline experience, new waterfront venues such as the Exploratorium, and special‑event demand. The consultants said they reviewed 13 potential landing sites and identified six as suitable in the near term with minimal land‑side infrastructure work.

"While there are ridership niches, the demand is speculative," Walther said, summing up a central study finding. The team looked at operating models in New York, Chicago, Long Beach and San Diego and found successful services often combine commuter, excursion and charter products to cross‑subsidize operations.

The consultants estimated a single vessel could cost in the mid‑six figures and noted that a frequent 15‑minute interval service would require multiple boats. They also emphasized the importance of fare competitiveness against Muni (about $2 per trip) and the need for high frequency to attract regular riders.

Port staff recommended additional financial modeling and market outreach and proposed issuing a request for qualifications or an RFI in spring 2010 to gauge private‑sector interest. "The port would not be an operator; we would be a facilitator," a staff presenter said.

Public comment included operators and union representatives. Ray Shipway of the Inland Boatmen urged the Port to include prevailing‑wage provisions in any procurement. Several small‑boat operators expressed readiness to participate if berthing and business terms are available.

Commissioners raised questions about whether the service would primarily serve tourists or residents, site readiness, and whether the project would complement or compete with improvements to the F line. Staff and consultants said the initial focus was on low‑capital, ready sites and that commercial viability would determine whether the Port advances procurement.

Next steps: staff plans further financial analysis and indicated intention to issue an RFI/RFQ in early 2010 to identify potential operators and refine a business model.