Ferry patrons gave a Golden Gate ferry an ovation as the vessel pulled into the Tiburon dock Monday, marking the beginning of service that took months of negotiations.
Collette Martinez of Fairfax, a terminal supervisor for the Golden Gate service, was helping passengers with a new ticket setup as the first boats floated in and out of Tiburon.
“We had an ovation on one of the runs from passengers on the dock as we came in; it was great to see,” said Martinez, as she assisted passengers, many of whom had old Blue and Gold Fleet tickets. “We seem to have a lot of new people. Everyone is in a good mood.”
The Blue and Gold Fleet had operated the Monday through Friday commute service, but passed it to Golden Gate, saying it could no longer sustain the service because of rising costs. Several start dates were announced, only to be pulled back as negotiations between various parties stalled. But that changed early Monday.
Passenger Matt Hochstetler of Tiburon, who was on the first run at 5:30 a.m., gushed about the experience.
“My first ride on Golden Gate was fantastic — knowledgeable and compassionate workers, safe vessels, comfortable seats, and on-time arrival,” he said. “We are so happy to have such a responsible company taking over the run.”
On the first morning of service, 334 people loaded and unloaded from the ferries during seven crossings to and from San Francisco.
The ferry will carry about 216,000 people a year during four morning and four afternoon primary trips, but reverse commute runs will be available as well. The service will cost Golden Gate Ferry about $1.8 million a year to operate.
When the ferryboat San Francisco came in for the last pickup at 9:10 a.m., Sally Burr of Tiburon was ready to board, her bike at her side.
“It looks like a nice ferry, the other ones were sort of old tubs,” said Burr, just after the San Francisco eased in against the dock. “These are cheerful. People will be happy to board a spiffy boat.”
Gin Bivens of Mill Valley came over to give the new service a try after media reports.
“I usually take the bus or drive in,” she said. “I want to try it out.”
Blue and Gold commute tickets will be accepted by Golden Gate at the start of service for the first 60 days. Golden Gate Ferry will bring the Clipper fare payment system to Tiburon customers for the first time.
One-way adult fares are $11.50, with the Clipper fare set at $7. Youths through age 18, seniors 65 and older and disabled riders will pay $5.75. Those 4 and under ride for free.
The ferry’s main commute runs depart Tiburon at 5:30 a.m., 6:45 a.m., 7:55 a.m. and 9:10 a.m. Commuter trips returning to Tiburon from San Francisco are at 4:25 p.m., 5:45 p.m., 6:55 p.m. and 8:05 p.m.
