Alameda Increases Ferry Terminal Security
Published on May 19, 2025
Costs Offset by Paid Parking Launching Soon
The City of Alameda is boosting security at its ferry terminals to improve rider safety and experience. Starting immediately, a security guard will be present at the Harbor Bay Ferry Terminal every weekday. This enhancement responds to rider feedback and is being implemented in coordination with San Francisco Bay Ferry. The City also plans to extend security guard presence at the Seaplane Lagoon and Main Street Ferry Terminals in the future, pending paid parking beginning at Seaplane Lagoon Ferry Terminal.
To fund increased security measures, the City will introduce paid parking at Harbor Bay this summer, and is planning for Seaplane Lagoon in late summer or fall. Although pay stations have been installed at Harbor Bay, they are not yet active.
The rate will be $3 per day on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays only. This targeted approach aims to increase parking space availability on these typically busier weekdays, ensuring those taking later ferries can find parking. Drivers will be able to pay for parking via mobile app, text, or the on-site pay stations.
The City is prioritizing a convenient mobile payment option that will allow ferry riders to pay for parking after boarding their ferry. The exact launch date for paid parking at Harbor Pay is contingent on the finalization of logistics for this remote payment system. The City will work closely with San Francisco Bay Ferry to inform the public well in advance of the launch, utilizing various communication channels including flyers on vehicles and on-board announcements.
Other ways to get to Harbor Bay
Ferry riders are encouraged to explore alternative transportation to the terminals, especially on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Options include traveling on Mondays and Fridays instead of midweek, taking the bus, biking, walking, carpooling, or getting dropped off. Drivers should note that 2-hour parking restrictions are currently enforced on some streets near the Harbor Bay Ferry Terminal. A reminder that AC Transit Line 21 offers free service with a ferry transfer using a Clipper card and will continue its direct service to Harbor Bay Ferry Terminal when AC Transit implements its Realign Plan later this year.
For travel tips, see www.alamedaca.gov/getaround. More detailed information regarding ferry parking is available at www.alamedaca.gov/ferryparking. To receive updates on parking in Alameda, sign up for the auto parking mailing list: www.alamedaca.gov/subscribe.
Park Street Replacement Pay Stations Installed; Mobile Payment Coming Soon
In other parking news, the City has replaced the broken pay stations on Park Street from Central Ave to San Jose Ave. While the new pay stations have been installed, payment will not be required until they are activated this summer. However, existing parking time limits remain in effect, so drivers are advised to check the information screens on the new pay stations when parking in this area.
The City is also preparing to launch mobile payment options for parking throughout Alameda soon. Residents and visitors are encouraged to download the ParkSmarter app now to be ready when this convenient payment method becomes available.