San Francisco Bay Ferry has been awarded an $11 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to advance its plans to introduce the nation’s first high-speed battery-electric ferries. The funding supports Phase 1 of the agency’s Rapid Electric Emission-Free Ferry (REEF) Program, which aims to transition the ferry fleet to zero-emission technology.
The grant will enable the procurement of three 150-passenger battery-electric vessels that will serve Treasure Island, Mission Bay, Downtown San Francisco, and other growing waterfront communities. This initiative is a significant step toward reducing emissions and traffic congestion in the Bay Area.
“San Francisco’s waterfront is thriving, and this award will ensure it remains connected and accessible through state-of-the-art, zero-emission ferries,” said Jim Wunderman, Chair of SF Bay Ferry’s Board of Directors. He credited bold investments from the Biden-Harris Administration and strong support from local congressional leaders like House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and Senator Alex Padilla.