Get to know Woodstock: Here’s a look at the new water shuttle that connects Alameda and Oakland for free

ALAMEDA, Calif. (KGO) — The water shuttle, which transported people between Alameda and Oakland for the first time on Wednesday, had to cease operations on its opening day.

The San Francisco Bay Ferry announced on X that it was a mechanical problem.

“Unfortunately, due to a mechanical issue with the vessel, we have had to suspend operations of the Oakland Alameda Water Shuttle for at least the remainder of the day. We are very sorry to everyone who was looking forward to riding. As soon as we have news on whether it will be able to run tomorrow, we will let you know.”

Officials will check on Thursday whether the water shuttle service will be restored.

This is a developing story. Previous article below

For the first time, people have a new way to get from Alameda to Oakland and back for free.

“We had to be on the first trip, we are excited,” said Chris Mays, an Alameda resident.

Get to know Woodstock.

The 45-foot-long yellow pontoon is not named after the bird or music festival, but after one of the oldest neighborhoods on the west end of Alameda.

“We want to provide more transportation options for the residents of Oakland and Alameda, that’s our main goal,” said Sarah Henry, a spokeswoman for the city of Alameda.

MORE: World’s first hydrogen-powered, emission-free ferry unveiled in San Francisco

Until now, the only way for people to walk or bike from Oakland to Alameda was the Posey subway station.

A harrowing walk that Jon Goldstein takes twice a week.

“It’s about a 15-minute walk through the subway, it’s about 30 to 36 inches wide, and when a bike comes, you have to stand on the side wall, which is dirty,” Goldstein said. “This is a much better, free alternative.”

The maiden voyage on Wednesday morning marks the start of a two-year pilot program designed to help people travel seamlessly and sustainably between the two cities 37 times a day.

“To be able to launch in Jack London, there’s no grocery store here,” Henry said. “You can go to Safeway and Target, Alameda Landing and all that, and then people can drive from Alameda to Oakland. That opens up a whole new set of doors and that’s what we’re most excited about.”

Chelsea Sanchez moved to Alameda in October and she says they’ve been waiting for this opening ever since.

“First of all, we don’t have to pay for Uber anymore and we don’t have to worry about taking the subway anymore,” said Chelsea Sanchez, an Alameda resident. “There are a lot of breweries, restaurants and a lot of shops that we’ve always wanted to try but haven’t tried yet.”

You don’t need tickets, just make sure you get in line on time.

It only has space for 31 passengers and 14 bicycles per trip.

“I think the passengers will love it!” said Henry. “I think once you do it you’ll be totally blown away.”

MORE: Electric ferries in San Francisco Bay? Here is the P-12 shuttle

Oakland’s water shuttle dock is located at Jack London Square.

The Alameda Jetty is located in the Bohol Circle Immigrant Park near Alameda Landing.

Currently, this water shuttle is only available from Wednesday to Sunday and starts as early as 7 a.m.

The schedule varies from day to day, so be sure to check online before you go.

Click here to view the water shuttle schedule.

If you use the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live