the successful design of "melrose" encouraged completion of sister ship "thoroughfare" in 1912. "thoroughfare" cost $170,000 with capacity for 97 automobiles and 45 team-drawn wagons. these two ferries offered departures at 30-minute intervals through the daylight and evening hours. automobiles were carried on the "creek route" until new loading facilities were completed on the oakland pier in 1921. "thoroughfare" steamed into the ferry slip at full speed when her engine-order telegraph malfunctioned on 14 august 1913. the ferry was less damaged than the slipway and resumed service shortly after the engine-order telegraph was repaired.