Q:What is “VMAS”?
A: VMAS, Voice Message Alert System is a voice messaging system that will notify registered ferry commuters when there is a significant delay or disruption of ferry operations. The objective of VMAS is to provide real-time notification to commuters of schedule changes that may affect their commute. In the event of a service disruption, registered ferry commuters will receive a “Service Alert” call on their mobile or home phone between 5:00 AM and 9:30 PM Monday through Friday.

Q:Who can sign up for?
A: Anyone interested in finding out about weekday schedule changes or service disruptions on either the Alameda/Oakland or Alameda Harbor Bay Ferry services.

Q:How do I sign up for VMAS alerts?
A: To sign up go to the ferry homepage and click on the link “Click Here to find out about the New Ferry Voice Message Alert System” and click on the Register link at the top of the VMAS main page. Please note that registrants will only receive Service Alerts for the ferry service they have registered for. Commuters may enroll for both the Alameda/Oakland and the Alameda Harbor Bay Ferry service if they so desire.

Q:What will the messages tell me?
A: The Service Alert phone call will state the time, date and ferry service affected the nature of the disruption, and the estimated time that the service will resume.

Q:What happens if I don’t answer when a Service Alert call is made?
A: If someone is not available to answer, the service will also deliver a voice mail message to an answering machine. If a phone line is busy or someone doesn’t have an answering machine we will attempt to deliver your message 3 additional times (5 minutes later, then 15 minutes later, and again 15 minutes later).

Q: I received an alert call, but I couldn't hear it clearly or my phone dropped the call. How can I hear the alert again?
A: After receiving an alert call, you can hear the message repeated by calling 877-565-8456 from the phone to which the alert call was originally placed (i.e. from the phone number that you have registered with the VMAS).

Q:Can this service deliver messages to a business extension or voicemail account?
A: No! The calls and voicemail messages must be delivered to a direct line. We cannot deliver messages to any phone system that requires the entering of an extension number or forwarding by a person.

Q:Does the service integrate with State and National “Do Not Call” lists?
A: No, this service is not intended to be used for unwanted calls. Therefore, we do not integrate with State and National “Do Not Call” lists. The third party vendor that we use to provide this service for the ferry, Call-Em-All, does manage their own Do Not Call list, which all recipients can elect to be placed on by visiting their website and clicking Opt Out. You can read their Responsible Use and Privacy policies before completing the signup process.

Q:I just signed up to VMAS, what now?
A: When it is determined that a Ferry will be delayed or service cancelled a call with a recorded message will be sent to your phone Monday – Friday between the hours of 5:00 AM – 9:30 PM. Please note that it may take up to 2-weeks to add your contact number to the Call Alert list.

Q:Other commuters have received a Service Alert but I have not received any messages on my Mobile or Home Phone?
A: Send an e-mail to epsanche@ci.alameda.ca.us. Describe the problem and provide you’re the mobile or home phone number that you have registered with us. The Ferry Service will check the database to ensure that your phone number(s) is correctly entered. Note that we cannot be responsible for message failures resulting from difficulties with cellular service providers.

Q:A message was sent out but I didn't receive mine until a few hours later?
A: Once the City of Alameda Ferry Service sends an alert through VMAS, the message is sent to a large number of telephone and email service providers. These providers control how quickly messages are delivered to phones. Delayed message delivery is almost always due to the telephone provider and how the message has been processed through their network

Q:Can I change my contact phone number?
A: Yes. You can change your phone number on either call list. Click on Change Number at the top of the VMAS main page to change your phone number. There you will need to enter your current registration information for verification, the old phone number and the new contact number. Note that it may take up to 2-weeks to change your contact number.

Q:Can I Opt-Out (remove myself) from receiving Service Alerts?
A: Yes. You can opt-out from either call list. Click on Opt-Out at the top of the VMAS main page to delete your phone number. There you will need to enter your current registration information for verification. Please note that it may take up to 2-weeks to change your contact number.

Q:Will I receive unsolicited messages ("SPAM") on my home or mobile phone?
A: NO. VMAS enforces a ZERO SPAM policy which clearly prohibits unsolicited messages.

Q:Does your service work on multiple cell phone networks?
A: Yes. VMAS is a cross-carrier service.

Q:Do I need to install software on my phone?
A: NO. Your mobile phone plan will need to accept calls and voicemail messages to work properly.

Q:Will this cost me anything?
A: Maybe. The City of Alameda will not charge registrants for Service Alert Calls. However, depending on your wireless carrier provider and the plan you have, you may be charged a nominal fee to receive a phone call.

Q: Does VMAS replace the Email Updates I have already signed up for?
A: No. Both VMAS and Email Updates will be used to alert registered ferry commuters when there is a significant delay or disruption of ferry operations. VMAS was designed to improve our ability to keep you informed by delivering a voice message to you when you may not have access to your e-mails. It also allows ferry operations staff to quickly send a Service Alert when staff does not have access to the internet or to a computer.

If you are interested in signing up for Ferry Email Alerts please go to

Alameda/Oakland Ferry home page and click on Request E-Mail Updates

Alameda Harbor Bay Ferry schedule page and click on Add Your Email