Transbay commuting in the San Francisco Bay Area was primarily ferry based until the advent of automobiles in the 1940s and most bridges in the area were built to supplant ferry services . By the 1970s , ferries were primarily used by tourists with Golden Gate Ferry , an organization under the ownership as the same governing body as the Golden Gate Bridge , left as the sole commute operator . The 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake prompted restoration of service to the East Bay . The modern ferry network is primarily under the authority of San Francisco Bay Ferry , connecting with cities as far as Vallejo . Tourist excursions are aslso offered by Blue & Gold Fleet and Red & White Fleet . A ferry serves Angel Island ( which also accepts private craft ) . Alcatraz is served exclusively by ferry service administered by the National Park Service
1989 Loma Prieta earthquake
1989 Loma Prieta earthquake
Ferry