COVID-19 Health and Safety Measures on the Ferries

UPDATED APRIL 21, 2022

Medidas de Salud y Seguridad Contra el COVID-19 en Los Barcos de Transbordo

船上新冠疫情健康與安全措施

On June 4, 2020, the WETA Board of Directors adopted a six-point COVID-19 Passenger and Crew Safety Plan. The plan gives the WETA Executive Director authority to adjust policies as warranted. The below represents current polices on San Francisco Bay Ferry service.

See the plan adopted on June 4, 2020 below:

As conditions have changed in mid-2021, WETA has updated its protocols and policies to ensure continued priority on health while safely shifting to a return to the beloved ferry experience.

Enhanced Cleaning

After every passenger trip, crews wipe down frequently-touched surfaces including Clipper readers, handrails, arm rests, door handles, seat trays, stairwells, tabletops, and restroom surfaces. Cleaning products used are all on the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) list of products qualified to kill coronavirus.

Social Distancing

On June 15, 2021, consistent with updates to local and state social distancing guidelines, capacity limits on San Francisco Bay Ferry vessels were lifted. WETA will continue to provide information on seat availability to the public.

Face Coverings

As of April 21, 2022, wearing masks is strongly recommended but not required for passengers on board San Francisco Bay Ferry.

Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer is provided on board every vessel in multiple locations for passengers to use. Onboard restrooms remain available, clean and stocked so that passengers and crews can wash their hands with soap and water.

Healthy Crews

Ensuring a healthy workforce is critical. WETA and its contract operator Blue & Gold Fleet are supplying workers with personal protective equipment (PPE), including masks, gloves, and supplies. Work areas are being disinfected frequently.  Workers have been provided with information on getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Workers are instructed to stay home if they do not feel well and vessel crews are temperature checked before reporting to work. Sick pay is provided to crews who do not report due to illness.

Touchless Payment

Clipper and Hopthru allow for contactless payment on San Francisco Bay Ferry. Passengers are encouraged to use this fare payment methods.

COVID-19 Health and Safety Plan Documents

In May 2021, WETA applied to the San Francisco Department of Public Health for authorization to increase capacity on San Francisco Bay Ferry vessels under existing city-county orders. This application was approved on May 19, 2021. See the approved application and attachments below.

WETA COVID-19 Health and Safety Plan (PDF) -- Approved by San Francisco Department of Public Health on May 19, 2021