About 2.6 million passengers rode the San Francisco Bay Ferry in 2024, 16% more than in the previous year, according to data released by the transit agency Jan 6.
An average of 7,148 passengers used SF Bay Ferry daily last year, reflecting a 90% recovery of daily ridership numbers before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the agency. During the second half of 2024, ridership rose to 97% of pre-pandemic levels, data show.
Gains in ridership were experienced in several areas, including a 14% growth during the peak morning commute from 2023 to 2024, a 12% increase in weekend ridership and at least a 10% growth year over year on all transbay routes.
For example, Richmond and Harbor Bay routes experienced an annual growth of 20% last year.
“We continue to see strong growth in ferry ridership thanks to our strategic decisions to adopt competitive fares and enhanced schedules in addition to the unique benefits of water transit,” SF Bay Ferry Board of Directors Chair Jim Wunderman said. “We’re encouraged by the growth and expect to continue the upswing in 2025.”
