Balboa Island Ferry Ride May Become a Thing of the Past

New regulations by California Air Resource Board threatens to put ferry-owners out of business.

The Balboa Island Ferry service may be forced out of operation bringing an end to a century’s old business that has provided moments of affordable enjoyment for families, and a service that eliminates 10 minutes of drive time, by ferrying drivers and passengers in vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians between Balboa Island and Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach.

“We use this service most every time we visit Newport. Not just because it’s convenient and inexpensive, but because it’s a nice ride across the bay that my family enjoys. A vehicle with 3 adults and one child only costs $6. Definitely worth it!,” said Kurt S in his Tripadvisor review of his Balboa Island Ferry ride last month.

Commercial Harbor Craft (CHC) regulation amendments by the California Air Resource Board (CARB) were adopted in December 2022 and went into effect at the beginning of 2023, mandating renewable diesel fuel for all commercial harbor craft and a complete transition to zero-emission engines by 2025. The mandate is expected “to provide significant health benefits, avoid premature death and mortality, and protect workers and on-vessel passengers from exposure to diesel and other combustion-generated air pollutants,” CARB states.

The family who owns the Balboa Island Ferry which has been in business since 1919 says they can’t meet the new demands. The cost for converting just one boat is estimated at $2.5 million and they operate three ferries.

Additionally, there’s the question of charging stations. CARB says “Facilities (such as marinas and ports) must report vessels to the California Air Resources Board (CARB), provide infrastructure for shore power, and support zero‑emission vessel deployment.” It is not clear whether the costs will fall to the operators or the marina.

The fare for the ferry ride is expected to double in price. For consumers on a trip across 800 ft of water, this may not seem like value for the price they’re expected to pay.

CARB is open to discussing funding options with the ferry company. They offer “Safety and Flexibility Provisions” that address the costs of meeting the demands through financial extensions.

For an operation that hinges on low costs to consumers, the price of upgrade may be too steep, and the time for recoupment too long.

“I LOVED the ferry! Never had to wait and it was fun. It's a very short ride, but it was great…,” Backpacker wrote on Tripadvisor.

Only time will tell how many more trips would be had before the ferry may become a thing of the past.