Ride the Ducks, a popular tourist service known for its amphibious vehicles and quacking customers, has ceased operations in San Francisco. The decision won't affect the company's motorized Classic Cable Car charter business, which has existed since 1958.
Company owner Chris Herschend issued a media statement dated Sept. 7th saying the company was closing the San Francisco operations after eight years here, effective immediately. It reads in part, "All customers with advance reservations will be contacted by Ride the Ducks and refunds will be provided." For refunds, call (877) 887-8225. Group customers will be shifted to a Classic Cable Car charter or "other quality operators as they desire."
The company is headquartered in Atlanta, and it continues to operate in Branson, Missouri; Newport, Kentucky; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Stone Mountain Park, Georgia. Its website states it's the nation's largest amphibious tour operator and amphibious vehicle manufacturer.
Photo: Ride the Ducks/Facebook
The statement continues,
This difficult decision comes after 8 seasons in San Francisco and was based on our assessment of the long-term profitability of the business.
San Francisco is an iconic destination but an extremely challenging business environment. Despite consistent attendance and revenue growth during our time here—and an outstanding guest response—we concluded the costs to continue to operate in San Francisco exceeded the profit potential.
We asked Herschend if the decision had anything to do with the city's recent legislation to not allow tour vehicle drivers to narrate while driving. He responded via email, "The business environment in San Francisco is extremely challenging and the recent legislation certainly did not improve the situation."
We also asked if it had anything to do with the fact that one of the company's Classic Cable Cars hit and killed pedestrian Priscila "Precy" Moreto, 68, who worked in the city Controller's office, as she crossed Polk Street on Oct. 23, 2014. Herschend responded, "No."
Incidentally, a Ride the Ducks vehicle also struck and killed a woman in Philadelphia in May, according to the New York Daily News.
All 25 employees received a severance and will get individualized assistance and support, the statement said. Ride the Ducks has four stars on Yelp and testimonials from locals as well as tourists. Classic Cable Cars is the only company to use real vintage vehicles from the turn of the 20th century outfitted with wheels.
