Free Alameda Water Shuttle Remains Suspended. Here's When It Could Return

ALAMEDA, CA — Woodstock, a popular water shuttle that offers free rides between Alameda and Oakland, remains suspended as officials repair a new issue aboard the vessel.

The 31-passenger pontoon boat was shut down earlier this month after suffering engine issues.

The engines were replaced, and the service was expected to resume Friday, when Alameda officials said they discovered a small crack in a bracket above the water line.

"Welders are repairing the area now," Alameda officials said in a statement Monday. "We anticipate the resumption of service later this week, after the Coast Guard signs off on the completed repair."

The water shuttle connects passengers between Alameda Landing and Oakland's Jack London Square.

Officials still recommend passengers use the SF Bay Ferry’s Alameda Short Hop or AC Transit Line 96 to get to and from the island if they need to make that trip.

"Thank you all again for your patience during this major service disruption!" officials said.

The water shuttle program entered its second phase earlier this year after a successful two-year run.

Officials said the shuttle has been reliable since its launch in July 2024, operating on 97% of its scheduled days.

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.