It's a comfortable, pleasant, efficient way to commute. South to the Bay's upper Northeastern reaches. Expanded ferry service can play a critical role in developing just such a regional program. The Task Force will report its recommendations back to the State Legislature before the end of the session in 1998. The dramatic increase in ferry ridership two weeks ago during the BART strike proved how effective this form of transportation can be.
Traffic congestion is the number one concern on people's minds in survey after survey.
Yet because of the cost and impacts on our environment, many are opposed to a major constuction program on the scale necessary to relieve gridlock. Further, increasing traffic congestion threatens the region's air quality. The supporters of expanded ferry services also point out that an extensive water transportation system can greatly assist in the economic conversion of Bay Area military bases, most of which front on the Bay. Water access to the bases, which are being closed down by the federal government, opens up unique opportunities to build new housing, develop job centers and expand tourism. The system was eventually replaced by freeways and BART, but now it's time to own up to the fact that our roads are full and the trains are crowded.