Ferryless Coronado

Dear Matthew Alice,

I’ve just moved here from San Francisco and have been told about the old Coronado ferries which ran from North Island to downtown. I always enjoyed riding them in the bay area and wondered why they were discontinued here.

Joyce Thorpe, Hillcrest

When the Coronado Bridge was opened August 3, 1969, the ferries were part of the business. In an effort to make the bonds for financing the bridge more attractive, the state agency in charge promised there’d be no competition within ten miles. So much for the ferries.

Recently, though, the question was reconsidered. The Comprehensive Planning Organization completed a study in June 1975 and found that a bicycle-pedestrian ferry would not be profitable and would require subsidization. So much for a second chance.

But there is still a glimmer of hope. If two-thirds of the bond holders consent (a likely prospect, provided they can all be contacted), the clause barring ferries could be removed. With the development of the marina area downtown comes the possibility of larger crowds and steady flow of customers. If it can be shown that a ferry service can keep its financial head above water, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to pedal to the Hotel Del for a spot of tea and a dip in the sea.