'Thrilled': Popular Oakland Estuary Water Shuttle Extended Until 2028

ALAMEDA, CA — "Woodstock," the popular water shuttle in the Oakland Estuary, has been extended to operate until at least June 2028, according to Alameda city officials.

The extension is part of a second phase where officials say they'll look to refine operations and plan for the shuttle's long-term future.

It comes following a successful two-year phase that exceeded expectations, Alameda officials said in a press release.

"Since its launch on July 17, 2024, Woodstock has become a beloved and reliable way for people on foot and bike to cross between Alameda Landing in Alameda and Jack London Square in Oakland," according to Alameda city officials, who said they were "thrilled" by the extension of the water shuttle.

In those two years, the 45-foot yellow shuttle has carried more than 251,000 passengers and 60,000 bicycles across the estuary for free, city officials said.

It has also expanded services from five to six days a week, increased weekly trips nby 84%, and had its daily ridership record broken in ay 2026, when 1,039 riders used the shuttle, according to city officials.

The shuttle won the Transportation Planning Award of Excellence from the American Planning Association, California Chapter – Northern Section, in May 2025, city officials said.

"These ridership numbers speak for themselves," said Rochelle Wheeler, Senior Transportation Coordinator and Project Manager. "Residents, commuters and visitors have embraced the shuttle as a genuine transit option that gets people out of their cars and directly to their destinations. Phase 2 gives us the runway to plan for the long term."

City officials are planning to celebrate the shuttle's second birthday on Friday, July 31, at 11:45 a.m. at Bohol Circle Immigrant Park in Alameda. The event will feature a short program and cupcakes, officials said.