Agmt20 San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority RWC Ferry Project MOU Port-City-WETA

Browse Search

Exhibit A - WETA System Expansion Policy WETA System Expansion Policy The WETA expansion policy is intended to provide a framework for evaluating the feasibility of new ferry projects. The framework consists of policy statements that provide guidance for developing candidate project elements such as landside and waterside facilities, vessels and service plans. In addition, a set of evaluation measures defines a range of productivity and efficiency metrics that inform the WETA Board and funding partners regarding a project's financial feasibility and sustainability. There is no pre -determined level of evaluation that determines whether a project is feasible. There are many factors that contribute to whether a project is developed and becomes part of the WETA system. Instead, the System Expansion Policy provides policy makers with an agreed-upon framework, bringing objective measures and predictability to the project development process. System Expansion Policy Statements System Expansion Overview WETA will expand ferry service throughout San Francisco Bay, working with local and regional partners to increase ferry ridership and relieve traffic congestion -and transit crowding. New ferry services will be financially sustainable, contribute to the ferry system and enhance WETA's emergency response capabilities. Minimum Service Period New services will need to be in service for a minimum of 10 years to allow adequate time to build a ridership base. Services will be evaluated after a 10 -year initial period to determine their continued operation. New Service Project The WETA System Expansion Policy establishes a range of evaluation Evaluation measures that help the WETA Board determine whether a candidate project will be successful and meet WETA's strategic goals. The new service evaluation is typically performed prior to entering environmental clearance, during the feasibility study phase of a project. New Service Ongoing Once in operation, new ferry services will be evaluated on regular Evaluation quarterly and yearly intervals to ensure performance is meeting expectations. Adjustments to the service plan, fare program or access conditions may be warranted. Service Design New ferry services typically begin as origin terminals offering commute- period service to San Francisco's Ferry Building. However, they can act as a destination terminal or offer non -commute period service, depending on local transportation goals and funding availability. WETA will work with project partners to develop a concept service design that meets travelling needs while offering a competitive, sustainable service. For commute -only origin terminals, a minimum level of service would be defined as three peak -direction trips in both the AM and PM commute periods. i� Page 1 of 4