Union service to San Francisco: Pictured (L-R) are IBU members Oliver Albert, Imani Treas, IBU Director Marina Secchitano, Steve Ongerth, and a commuter who arrived at the gate just in time to deposit his ticket for a prompt 7:55am departure
Members of the Inlandbaotmen’s Union (IBU) helped ensure a smooth transition on March 6 when commuter ferry service from Tiburon to San Francisco was transferred from the Blue & Gold Fleet to Golden Gate Transit District.
The seamless transfer provided peace of mind for over 200,000 commuters who depend on the Tiburon ferry to get them to work in the city each year – while reducing car traffic on congested highways.
The privately-owned Blue & Gold Fleet had provided commuter ferry service for the past 50 years, but lacked enough fast, modern and expensive vessels, like the ones operated by GG Transit that can now make the trip in just 20 minutes.
“Having Golden Gate take over this service was a win for commuters, the environment and workers,” said IBU San Francisco Regional Director Marina Secchitano.
A non-union ferry operator threatened to block the transfer in January, but that effort failed when Golden Gate’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the new service in late February.
IBU members will continue working on Blue & Gold vessels that provide tourists with ferry service during non-commute hours at Tiburon while providing commuters with ferry service from Vallejo, Harbor Bay, South San Francisco, Oakland, and Alameda.
Commuter service from Richmond is set to begin next year.