Mari-Flite Ferries says it wants to run a commuter ferry service between Oceanside and San Diego.
As proposed, the ferry would be a one-year demonstration project, running nonstop from Oceanside to downtown San Diego in the morning and in the reverse direction in the evening. Cost for a round-trip ticket has not yet been determined, said Mari-Flite president Stan Siegel.
The trip, at speeds of up to 40 knots (about 50 mph) would take 45 minutes,comparable to rush-hour traffic, said Jim Larson, spokesman for California Department of Transportation.
The ferry would be a hydrofoil, which can deliver a smooth ride in rough seas and doesn’t cast a large wake, meaning that it can pull into port at higher speeds, Siegel said.
He said he is working with Caltrans to get funding.
So far, only one boat is planned for the demonstration project, although it is possible there might be funding for two. Each boat is capable of handling up to 150 passengers, Siegel said.
Rita Vandergaw, representing the San Diego Unified Port District, said the port is ready to assist with ferry service once the financing is in place.
If the ferry does well, other possible routes could include Chula Vista to San Diego, Oceanside to Catalina Island, and from San Diego via Oceanside to Marina del Rey, a short shuttle ride away from Los Angeles International Airport, said Jennay Harrison, associate transportation planner with the San Diego Association of Governments.
,San Diego Business Journal
