Transit Update: Ferries Ready To Help Commuters During Strike

San Francisco Bay Ferry is preparing to take on more riders should AC Transit workers go on strike Wednesday.

"If AC Transit goes on strike tomorrow, SF Bay Ferry has made preparations to support our riders coming from the East Bay by enhancing capacity from our terminals at Alameda Harbor Bay and Oakland Jack London Square," stated Ernie Sanchez, manager of public information and marketing for SF Bay Ferry.

An AC Transit strike could leave 100,000 commuters stranded.

The SF Bay Ferry will run a larger-capacity boat on its Alameda Harbor Bay route, and schedule two additional boats for standby on its routes from Alameda Main Street and Oakland Jack London Square to San Francisco.

SF Bay Ferry will continue to operate regular service to AT&T Park from Vallejo, Alameda Main Street and Oakland, and to South San Francisco from Oakland and Alameda Main Street.

Amalgamated Transit Union Local 192, which represents 1,625 mechanics and bus operators, notified AC Transit’s board of directors of the possible strike at noon Monday.

The strike notice stems from ongoing negotiations for a new labor contract after the workers' previous contract expired at the end of June. Union members had threatened to strike starting July 1 but temporarily extended their contract and negotiations continued.

Officials said the agency has proposed a 9 percent increase in wages over three years. With the increase, however, employees would have to cover 10 percent of their medical insurance premiums. Workers oppose increased health insurance costs.

Zoneil Maharaj contributed to this report