West Seattle Water Taxi: Regular schedule; Sightseer fills in

Quick reminder for West Seattle Water Taxi commuters who either missed the news about yesterday’s crash (WSB coverage here) or the followup about today’s service: The county announced last night that a replacement boat from Argosy Cruises was expected to run the regular schedule – which starts with a 6:50 am trip from Seacrest to downtown. 7:31 AM UPDATE: The replacement is the former Water Taxi boat, the Sightseer, which left at 6:50 am (video above) with eight on board, according to what the crew shouted up to the bridge. (At least one passenger hadn’t heard about the crash – a crew member could be heard giving a quick explanation for the boat change.) 10:02 AM: Also note, as Eric points out in comments – the Sightseer is docking at the “old” Water Taxi dock at Pier 55 (Argosy HQ), not the current one at Pier 50.

Chuck September 27, 2010 (8:44 am)

There she is!

Eric September 27, 2010 (9:18 am)

Note that unless they change it later, they are docking at the Argosy pier (pier 55), not the normal water taxi pier (pier 50) on the seattle side.

Once loyal WT'er September 27, 2010 (9:55 am)

Hey Eric-Thanks for the heads up. Sure wish it would stay that way; soooo much more convenient to downtown! The new dock (pier 50) not so much, and you are completely at the mercy of the elements for quite a while, especially if the ferry has just arrived.

WSB September 27, 2010 (10:02 am)

The Pier 55 destination was in the county announcement we published last night but it wasn’t flagged overtly as “note the change” and we didn’t even notice – so thanks, Eric, will make it more overt in the text above! – TR

daisy September 27, 2010 (10:07 am)

I’m with you, W’ter! I miss the old boat and the old Seattle docking location. I commuted on the WSWT all last year but have gone back to taking the bus this year because of the new Seattle docking destination, just not convenient for my downtown office. I also miss the charm of the older boat. Don’t get me wrong, it is great to have a water taxi service, I just personally liked the past set-up much better.

austin September 27, 2010 (10:30 am)

The idea that the difference of two blocks is somehow a significant inconvenience is absurd. Paired with the fact the main downtown bus lines on 1st ave are actually closer to Pier 50 than 55 with fewer stairs to climb makes me wonder if the people making these claims have ever actually been on the water taxi.
.
I do like the sightseer better though.

Sue September 27, 2010 (10:53 am)

Austin, it’s actually 4 blocks, not 2. And you don’t have to climb any stairs up if you take the Harbor Steps elevator.
Not everyone wants/needs to take a bus from the ferry. When it was at the old pier, it was a 2 block walk (and elevator ride) from my office. Being further away means I could not make a 4:40 water taxi without leaving work early or waiting 40 min. for the next one, by which time I could’ve been home already on a metro bus.

E September 27, 2010 (10:58 am)

The water taxi is definiately NOT staying on schedule. The sightseer is quaint, but it’s musty and neglected. The Rachel Marie is fast and pleasant, docks much more quickly too. When we dock at the Argosy docks – which is great that they will let them do that in the interim it is a much slower process and when you are going home at rush hour you are definately fighting the people lining up for the tour boats.

daisy September 27, 2010 (11:00 am)

Austin, yes I have ridden the water taxi several times, but thanks for asking! My office is on the north side of the Market so I do walk to and from my office to the water taxi. For me, the extra 5 blocks now makes the difference if I can catch the water taxi home or have to wait another 40 minutes for the next one which is why I now take the bus, the timing works better for my schedule. I am not lazy and enjoy walking, it just no longer suits my schedule.

dq September 27, 2010 (12:20 pm)

We appreciate that King County and Argosy were able to come up with a solution/agreement so quickly as this enables commuters to keep taking the water taxi as usual.

Sorry, comment time is over.