Port Of Oakland Expands Free Water Shuttle Service Amid High Demand

The popular free water shuttle running between Oakland and Alameda has expanded its schedule, offering 35% more trips than before. The Port of Oakland welcomed this expansion, which adds more travel options and longer operating hours for the public.

Starting July 8, the shuttle now runs on Tuesdays and has extended service hours on weekends. This means the total number of weekly trips has gone up significantly, helping more people travel between Oakland’s Jack London Square and Alameda’s Bohol Circle Immigrant Park, located at the foot of 5th Street.

The shuttle is part of a two-year pilot program that was launched in July 2024 by the City of Alameda. The program is free for all riders and is partly funded by the Port of Oakland. Since its launch, the shuttle has logged more than 100,000 rides.

Officials from the Port of Oakland said that this expansion reflects strong demand for the service, especially in its first year. They added that the growing number of passengers shows the need for better public transport options that reduce road traffic and improve links between Alameda and Oakland’s waterfront businesses.

The shuttle now runs Tuesday to Thursday from 7:20 a.m. to 8:03 p.m., and Friday to Sunday from 7:20 a.m. to 10:16 p.m. Each boat can carry 31 passengers and 14 bicycles. The rides are completely free, wheelchair accessible, and open to the public.

The Oakland dock is located at the foot of Broadway, right in the middle of Jack London Square, a busy waterfront area known for its local restaurants, independent shops, outdoor events, live music, and regular markets.

With the new schedule, it’s easier for people to visit the Square for meetings, shopping, events, or a weekend outing.

A representative from the Port’s real estate team said that the shuttle plays an important role in their long-term plan for a well-connected, inclusive, and sustainable waterfront.

The shuttle’s quick success has also gained recognition. It received the 2025 Transportation Planning Award of Excellence from the American Planning Association, California Northern Section.

Port officials mentioned that regional transportation agencies are working together to support the continued growth of the service. There are plans to eventually include the water shuttle in the larger Bay Area public transit network.

Reference: Port of Oakland

Source: Maritime Shipping News