West Seattle Water Taxi: The latest Viaduct-closure-week plan

As first reported here last month, the West Seattle Water Taxi will add runs, shuttle-bus capacity, and parking for the weekdays that fall during the October 21-31 Alaskan Way Viaduct closure. A news release with official final details is just in from the King County Ferry District – including the full WT schedule for the closure period – read on:

West Seattle commuters looking to stay off the road during the viaduct closure will have access to expanded weekday Water Taxi service.

Beginning at 6:15 a.m., the Water Taxi will provide a traffic-free commute every 30 minutes until 9:45 a.m. West Seattle residents will also enjoy an easier commute home thanks to runs every half-hour beginning again at 3:15 p.m. and lasting until 7:15 p.m. This reflects five additional weekday sailings.

“Additional runs, larger and expanded shuttles and increased parking make the King County Water Taxi an appealing option during the closure,” Joe McDermott, Chair of the King County Ferry District, said. “Getting more people off the road will make the commute easier for everyone.”
Free Metro shuttles that bring riders from West Seattle neighborhoods to Seacrest Dock will also provide extended service until 7:30 p.m. Route 773 serves the West Seattle Junction; route 775 serves the Admiral District and Alki.

“I am pleased we were able to work with King County Metro and the City of Seattle to give the people in King County some viable options during the viaduct closure,” said Larry Gossett, Vice Chair of the King County Ferry District. “Hopefully, the increased Water Taxi service will mitigate the anticipated hardship on King County residents.”

Parking restrictions will be lifted for the week as well. All-day, free parking will be available just north of the dock at the Don Armeni Boat Launch and along Harbor Avenue SW between Fairmount Ave SW and Maryland Place.

“This is another example of us working together to problem solve both regional and local issues,” said Kathy Lambert, who serves on the Ferry District Executive Committee. “With the state temporarily closing the viaduct later this month, it will leave many residents stuck in gridlock. I am glad that the Ferry District was able to provide this service, as it will help provide additional transportation options during this challenging period.”

The expanded service and free parking will be available from Oct. 24 – 28th.

To see specific sailing times, click here.

To see shuttle routes, search here.

Always confused October 4, 2011 (4:17 pm)

Ridership seems to be WAY up over the past week or so. I hear chatter that people are testing the commute before hell week. Nice!

Jasperblu October 4, 2011 (5:52 pm)

This is great news! Thanks WSB.

Jiggers October 4, 2011 (7:04 pm)

it took 40 minutes to get back to west seattle from 3rd and pine street this afternoon on the 54 bus at around 5 pm. congestion is the worst i’ve seen it no accidents and its going to get worse real quick. sounders game may have a small affect to it but…

JayDee October 4, 2011 (8:18 pm)

Jiggers:

There was a protest downtown that may have exacerbated things today but with the local news coverage slanted to all things _____, it was not mentioned. I ended up abandoning my station at 3rd and Spring and took the WT instead.

OP: The main control is 149 passengers; any more and there will be functional SRO on any of the crossings. As far as I know we have not hit that.

All: If there is parking at Don Armeni, will the shuttle wait for us? I plan on hitting the 6:15 but many may not be able to. Jogging from Don Armeni may not be an option. Then again they can huddle in the lee of “Alki” fish and chips with the dominant south wind in the storms.

Anika October 4, 2011 (8:50 pm)

I think what Kathi Lambert meant was, “I am glad that the Ferry District was able to provide this service, and I’m sorry that I made up lies about Dow and vote trading in a misguided attempt to help Slusan Hutchison, it was a rotten thing for me to do, and I now see how valuable the water taxi is even though I was too pigheaded to see that before.”

Laurie October 4, 2011 (9:02 pm)

Any idea how many bikes the taxi can hold for each of these runs? Also, would a bike be safe, locked up there at the pier? Thanks!

Cristine October 4, 2011 (9:42 pm)

I think its great that they are expanding parking for the week of the closure, but when will the city realize that not all of W. Seattle residents live in the Junction or Alki? I live down by Westwood Village – where is our free shuttle? Where is the help for us to manage the next 3 years of construction? I work on the waterfront – I would take the taxi in a second, if it didnt take me 40 minutest to take the bus from my place to the shuttle landing! When will the city wake up and give us REAL commute options?

nighthawk October 4, 2011 (11:56 pm)

A shuttle with the watertaxi from down Delridge would make a lot of sense.

austin October 5, 2011 (6:34 am)

Its about a five minute walk from shuttle stops on Avalon to regular bus routes on Delridge.
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Laurie – water taxi has capacity for 150 passengers with a crew of three. The vessel can carry 18 bicycles. more info – http://www.kingcounty.gov/transportation/kcdot/WaterTaxi/Vessels/RachelMarie.aspx

Dusky October 5, 2011 (9:17 am)

This is great and I plan on taking advantage of it but what about October 21st and 31st. They seem to just be negating the first and last day of this mess in regards to the expanded taxi schedule and parking.

WSB October 5, 2011 (9:30 am)

Hi. It starts at 7;30 pm Friday, 10/21, and ends by 5 am Monday, 10/31, so that’s why those dates are not included in the list of commute-related changes – TR

Katherine October 6, 2011 (12:44 pm)

I second the comment from Christine on Oct 4th. I’m disappointed with the oversight to help riders get to the WT. It seems easier just to take the regular bus.