For Golden Gate Ferry passengers who like a little human touch when they purchase their tickets, today will be bittersweet.

Friday marks the last day that ticket offices will be open for regular hours at the Larkspur and San Francisco ferry terminals. Now, almost all Golden Gate Ferry tickets can be purchased though the district’s new automatic vending machines.

The bridge district moved forward with the initiative to replace seven full-time ticket vendors as a cost-savings measure. Faced with a five-year shortfall of $89 million, the bridge district will save $6.2 million during the next 10 years by employing electronic ticket machines. Last week, the bridge district’s ticket takers threatened to strike over the impending layoffs.

Some tickets, like special events fares for Giants’ games, must still be purchased at the booths. So, on game days, and on July 17, 21 and 31, Aug. 22, and Sept. 1, 8 and 25, the ticket takers will be available at the Larkspur Ferry Terminal, bridge district officials said.

wreisman@sfexaminer.com