y_p_w
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Define workable? At no cost to the passengers, meaning no financial targets, I suppose ridership and reliability would be your only measures. Haven't been in Alameda in a while, since '08 or so, but do you see this as a viable commuter route?
There are actually quite a few “free” public transportation options in the Bay Area. There’s a loop around San Jose Airport that connects to light rail or the Santa Clara train station. A few others including Emery Go Round (mentioned earlier) and others.
https://511contracosta.org/transit/free-transit-services/
I suppose this water shuttle could be used by someone living in Alameda to get across to Oakland where there’s an Amtrak station, or to other public transportation like BART. However, the shuttle between Jack London Square and Broadway is still suspended.
https://www.oaklandca.gov/topics/free-broadway-shuttle
Alameda is kind of interesting. There are actually quite a few employers beyond just retail and boat maintenance. I’ve been there a few times in the past few months. Some of the older industrial parts are being repurposed as office buildings. The former NAS Alameda has quite a few businesses. There’s also office parks. With a bike it might be doable, where bike riding isn’t allowed through an underwater tunnel.
The Wednesday to Sunday schedule might limit its use for commutes, but you never know with hybrid work schedules. Even three typical work days a week isn’t bad. Plus a lot of businesses in Alameda are open weekends.
A guaranteed ride home might help, since there can be unexpected issues like staying late or equipment issues.
https://grh.alamedactc.org/