The ferries began operation by the Golden Gate Ferry Company. In early-1929, the Golden Gate Ferry Company merged with the competing auto ferry system of the Southern Pacific railroad, with ferry service to the Hyde Street Pier taken over by the new "Southern Pacific-Golden Gate Ferries, Ltd." starting on May 1, 1929.
The ferries began operating under the Golden Gate Ferry Company's management. In early 1929, this company merged with the Southern Pacific railroad's auto ferry system, and service to Hyde Street Pier was transferred to the new "Southern Pacific-Golden Gate Ferries, Ltd." on May 1, 1929.