Finally official: King County Water Taxi year-round for West Seattle

Back in July, we reported that the King County Water Taxi had found enough money to continue its West Seattle run through December, but money for the first few months of the year hadn’t been secured yet. Now, it has. Just announced in King County Councilmember Jan Drago‘s e-mail newsletter, the Water Taxi will continue uninterrupted – though the months of November through March will be morning/evening commute hours only. More details here. 4:05 PM UPDATE: Drago staffer Jodie Vice explains that the funding for this winter was freed up when the county got a Puget Sound Regional Council grant for maintenance work; since the maintenance already was in the budget, the money could be moved to operations. For at least the two following winters, she says, it’ll be covered by state funding given to the county for mitigation of Alaskan Way Viaduct construction effects. P.S. Speaking of maintenance – don’t do a doubletake if you see a different Water Taxi next Friday through Wednesday – the Rachel Marie is going in for some work, and the Spirit of Kingston will replace it, no schedule changes.

17 Replies to "Finally official: King County Water Taxi year-round for West Seattle"

  • brokeasAjoke September 15, 2010 (3:47 pm)

    Wow! See what happens when you actually work?

  • sunshine September 15, 2010 (4:12 pm)

    This is great news! Does anyone know if the shuttle buses will run year-round, too?

    • WSB September 15, 2010 (4:21 pm)

      Excellent question. Will check.

  • Mike D. September 15, 2010 (4:27 pm)

    Good news! This step makes the Water Taxi more viable as a commuting choice! Awesome.

  • west by southwest September 15, 2010 (4:42 pm)

    Many thanks to Jan for working this through a difficult economic environment.

  • Gary M September 15, 2010 (4:46 pm)

    Excellent news! I ride the Water Taxi almost every day.

  • luckymom30 September 15, 2010 (4:51 pm)

    Very awesome!

  • Daisy September 15, 2010 (5:19 pm)

    Yipee!

  • Baba September 15, 2010 (5:51 pm)

    Since they caught that vault thief, things do start to look up for this taxi business!!!

  • sa September 15, 2010 (5:56 pm)

    If I am not mistaken this is a short term fix, and does not mean that the Water Taxi is permanently year round.

    • WSB September 15, 2010 (6:17 pm)

      SA, as explained in the addition to the story, there is funding at least for the next three years. After that – Jodie Vice in Drago’s office – not sure yet.

  • blah September 15, 2010 (6:58 pm)

    Boondoggle! Ride the bus!

  • RJB September 15, 2010 (7:18 pm)

    Great year round addition to transportation options!!! Yea!!

  • Noelle September 15, 2010 (9:57 pm)

    Happiness & Joy! I love the Water Taxi!

  • T September 15, 2010 (11:21 pm)

    +1 happy water commuter. We’ll be glad of the new docks this winter!

  • austin September 16, 2010 (8:13 am)

    Count me pleasantly surprised, I’d thought they’d thrown in the hat when they printed up the April-October 2010 Sailing Schedule pamphlets. I’ll be making a point to ride this fall and winter.

  • ko September 18, 2010 (7:59 am)

    Now if only the shuttle came anywhere near my neighborhood (Delridge) – we tend to get overlooked here in WS despite the increase in housing construction

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