Mar 14, 2008

Ferry service push stuck in dry dock?

State officials must name new governing board

Editorial

Plans to launch transbay ferry service could be high and dry for awhile if state officials don't get busy and appoint members for the governing board of a new transit authority, so we urge folks in Sacramento to start thumbing through resumes.

Potential commuters are waiting, and procrastination isn't helpful.

The board is needed for what is now called the San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority, a successor to an earlier water transit agency. To finish launching the new authority, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger must name three board members, while one more each will be selected by Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata and Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez.

Local officials worry the delay could complicate plans to begin ferry service between Oyster Point Marina/Park and Oakland's Jack London Square. The ferries are already under construction but a lot more work must be done and local officials are worried.

Among other things, the new water authority board will be needed to sign a construction contract for a new ferry terminal at Oyster Point, said Adrienne Tissier, president of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors. A delay in appointing the board could lead to various complications, she warned, including a delay in the terminal construction, an increase in costs, and, finally, a delay in building ridership for the ferries. We hope it doesn't come to that.

Proponents hope increased transbay ferry service will reduce highway traffic congestion throughout the Bay Area, and there are eventual plans to extend ferry service to Redwood City as well. Ambitious plans are afoot.

First, of course, to begin the new service, we need the new water board, which is where the state's top elected leaders come in. It's time for them to get to work and appoint the new water board.