Oakland-Alameda free water shuttle service resumes after launch day issues

The force of impact from docking the new Oakland Alameda Water Shuttle likely caused the damage that forced an 18-hour service suspension, the ferry agency said.

Crews installed temporary fendering on the boat to add cushion during docking, according to San Francisco Bay Ferry agency spokesperson Thomas Hall. The vessel, affectionately named Woodstock, makes 37 trips per day between Oakland's Jack London Square and Alameda Landing.

Hall said the ferry agency is working with its water shuttle project partners -- including the city of Alameda and Jack London Square -- to develop more permanent fendering on the docks themselves.

"We don't anticipate this being an issue," Hall said.

The free shuttle began service to much fanfare Wednesday morning before being shut down around 6 p.m. that day after damage was found above the water line near the rear of the vessel, Hall said.

The initial damage was discovered during service, which welders repaired overnight. But upon closer inspection Thursday, Hall said crews found additional damage that required attention, forcing the route to remain suspended through Thursday.

Around 7 p.m. Thursday, the ferry agency announced that the shuttle would resume normal service on Friday.

Wednesday's launch marked the beginning of a two-year pilot program to assess demand for a more permanent pedestrian option to cross the estuary between Oakland and Alameda.

"The atmosphere is not quite as festive as the first day, but people are very happy to have this critical link back," Hall said.