San Francisco Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority.
The bill places a significant emphasis on emergency transportation operations, authorizing the authority to manage and coordinate all water transportation activities within the Bay Area, especially during emergencies. This includes ensuring compliance with plans consistent with the San Francisco Bay Plan and coordinating with other governmental agencies, enhancing the region's overall emergency preparedness and response capability. The provisions also mitigate the potential for conflicting regulations by establishing a clear jurisdiction for the authority over water transportation services.
Assembly Bill 2995, introduced by Assembly Member Chiu, seeks to amend existing regulations concerning the San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority. The bill expands the authority's oversight, granting it exclusive authority over public transportation ferries in the Bay Area. This involves redefining what constitutes public transportation ferries to include ferryboats at any facility operated or funded by public agencies, while specifically excluding sightseeing ferries and those lacking point-to-point service. This change aims to streamline water transportation services and improve coordination among various public transportation options in the region.
The sentiment surrounding AB 2995 seems to reflect a supportive attitude towards bolstering regional transportation infrastructure, particularly in light of emergency scenarios. Proponents argue that having a centralized authority would enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the public transportation system. However, concerns have been raised about the potential exclusion of existing vessels and services, as the bill could limit competition and reduce options for riders. Critics may worry about the implications of concentrating authority, fearing that it might overshadow community-level decisions and input.
Notable points of contention arise from the bill's exclusive authority granted to the San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority. Questions have been posed regarding the impact on existing ferry services, particularly those not under the umbrella of public agencies, such as private operators. Furthermore, the stipulation that applications for operating vessels must have concurrence from the authority could be viewed as overly burdensome for smaller operators, potentially stifling innovation and competition in the area.