BY DAN ROSENHEIM
Chase Center Runs Proving Popular: WETA’s long-awaited runs from Alameda/Oakland to the new temporary dock at Pier 48½ near the Chase Center got off to a strong start with a sellout of the 175-ticket presale to passengers for the Warriors’ first home preseason game on October 5. “I’m thrilled we were able to sell out on such short notice,” said Nina Rannells, noting that the temporary dock had been dedicated just one day before the game. The dock is an emergency response float towed down from Mare Island and adapted for regular ferry use—a relatively simple process but one that had been delayed until the last minute by the absence of an Army Corps of Engineers permit. “The sellout confirms our assumption that this service will be in high demand,” Rannells said. With the addition of Chase Center, WETA is now in the business of providing regular special event service. The agency does not have a regular vessel dedicated for every trip—it used a 400-passenger vessel for the first game and ended up with some empty seats despite the sellout of presale tickets. Rannells said the agency is fine-tuning its approach to ticket sales. Meanwhile, Golden Gate Ferry is also providing special event service from Larkspur to Pier 48½, sharing the temporary dock with WETA. Golden Gate did not have passenger numbers immediately available; that agency is using one of its older—but bigger—Spaulding class ferry boats for the run.
Golden Gate Tests Means-Based Fares:
Golden Gate bus and ferry passengers will be eligible for means-based fare discounts under a pilot program established by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and approved unanimously by Golden Gate directors at their meeting in late September. The program, expected to begin in early 2020, will provide 50 percent fare discounts to people with income below 200 percent of the poverty level (about $70,000 for a family of four). The discount aligns with reduced fares currently offered to seniors, people with disabilities and youth, regardless of income. “Transit affordability is a major challenge,” said Ron Downing, Golden Gate planning director. “We’re pleased to be able to offer affordable transit options for people most impacted by the rising costs of getting around.” The revenue loss to Golden Gate, estimated at between $500,000 and $1 million per year, will be at least partly offset by additional subsidies from the MTC. Participants in the pilot have been limited by the MTC to BART, SamTrans, SF Muni and Golden Gate. But there is interest at WETA. At a recent board meeting where fare goals were discussed, WETA board member Jeff DelBono spoke forcefully in favor of means-based discounts. “I would like to see us do something on the equity issue,” he said. While voicing support for discounts in principle, WETA board member Anthony Intintoli said he wants to make sure that fare discounts don’t take place “on the backs of the middle class.” He added: “How do you fund it so the people who are paying full fare aren’t paying more full fare?” WETA Executive Director Rannells said her agency will look at the issue and may be eligible to join a permanent program under MTC auspices when the pilot ends in 2021.
