The Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District is committed to ensuring that the District complies with all Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations as well as the State of California accessibility requirements.
If you have any questions related to the accessibility of Golden Gate Transit Buses, Ferries, or facilities please contact Jon Gaffney, ADA Compliance and Program Manager, at 415-257-4416 or jgaffney@goldengate.org. If requested by an individual with a disability, the District will provide a language or sign interpreter or other accessible format at any District public meeting. Please contact Mr. Gaffney at 415-257-4416 or jgaffney@goldengate.org to request assistance.
Boarding Procedures
All Golden Gate Ferries vessels are accessible to passengers using wheelchairs and all vessels have accessible restrooms.
- When traveling between San Francisco and Larkspur, Sausalito, Tiburon, or Angel Island, wheelchair users do not need to use the wheelchair lifts as movement between decks is not required to load and unload.
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When traveling on our other routes or services, wheelchair users need to use the onboard wheelchair lift to load/unload on separate decks, as follows:
- Larkspur to Oracle Park: Wheelchair passengers will enter through main ramp and should take the lift down one level to exit at Oracle Park.
- Oracle Park to Larkspur: Wheelchair passengers will enter on the main deck and should take the lift up one level to exit in Larkspur.
Note: Lifts can accommodate wheelchairs up to 30" wide x 41" long and a total weight not exceeding 495 lbs. Lifts may only be operated by crew members.
Preboarding
Golden Gate Ferry allows pre-boarding of vessels for individuals with disabilities. To take advantage of pre-boarding, an individual needs to notify a terminal assistant or the terminal supervisor on duty that they have a disability and would like to pre-board the vessel. Individuals wishing to pre-board must arrive at least 20 minutes prior to the departure time. Individuals do not need to discuss the nature of their disabilities—stating that one has a disability is sufficient.
Disabled Seating
Certain seats on our vessels are designated as priority seating for passengers with disabilities and for seniors. Vessel crews may ask a non-disabled passenger who is occupying a priority seat to move if a passenger with disabilities or a senior boards. Passenger cooperation in honoring such requests is appreciated.
Discount Fares
Before entering the paid waiting area, please have Clipper (card or mobile app) or ticket ready. Clipper is the all-in-one transit account for the Bay Area and is accepted on Golden Gate Transit buses, Golden Gate Ferry, and most other Bay Area transit agencies. The RTC Clipper card is a photo identification card for passengers under 65 with qualifying disabilities (all riders over 65 should ride with Senior Clipper card). To apply for an RTC Clipper card, you must appear in person at a participating transit agency, including the Golden Gate Customer Service Center (850 Tamalpais Avenue, San Rafael). For more information about the RTC Clipper card, visit the Clipper website. All card funds (e-cash) can be transferred to the Clipper mobile app, allowing you to make fare payments with a smart phone.
Ferry tickets may be purchased from ticket machines located at the ferry terminal. Proper identification is not needed when purchasing a senior/disabled ferry ticket, but proper identification may need to be presented at the faregate. Accepted forms of identification include a DMV disabled placard ID, RTC card, Medicare card, or an ID card for a person with disabilities from another transit agency.
Visit our Ferry Fares & Payment section for more information and fare tables.
Additional Programs
Golden Gate Ferry sponsors an advisory committee on accessibility for senior and disabled riders so they can provide input and express the preferences of fellow passengers to transit managers and staff. The Advisory Committee on Accessibility (ACA) meets quarterly on the third Thursday of the month from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. All riders are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit our Join Advisory Committee page.