Summary

King County Deputy Executive Shannon Braddock was joined today by County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, State Rep. Emily Alvarado, and Metro General Manager Michelle Allison to greet Vashon residents who sailed to Seattle to celebrate the July 1 start of King County Water Taxi’s new midday service to the island.

Story

Today, King County Deputy Executive Shannon Braddock, County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, State Rep. Emily Alvarado, and Metro General Manager Michelle Allison greeted Vashon Island residents who sailed to Seattle to celebrate the upcoming launch of midday water taxi service. Starting July 1, the King County Water Taxi will have four new roundtrip midday sailings to the island.

“These new midday sailings will provide important connections for Vashon residents and visitors to work, school, appointments, entertainment, and more. A big thank you to the Vashon community and the state legislature for their advocacy and partnership,” said Executive Dow Constantine. “The new midday sailings will expand water taxi service to a total of 10 roundtrip sailings every weekday, all year round, along with recently upgraded Metro bus service connecting ferry riders with island destinations.”

“The King County Water Taxi is a vital part of our transit network, and with travel patterns changing we saw the opportunity to increase sailings beyond traditional ‘commute hours’,” said Metro General Manager Michelle Allison. “Expanding the midday service not only benefits the residents of Vashon, but also people living in our region who want to explore and visit a truly special place in the Puget Sound.”

Today’s celebratory trip to Seattle was an opportunity for Vashon residents to meet with county and state officials who have worked to secure funding to expand water taxi service.

“Our water taxi and ferry services are Vashon’s I-5 and our West Seattle Bridge. We rely on them for our livelihoods, schoolteachers, health center staff, and fuel for our cars and trucks,” said Rick Wallace with Islanders for Ferry Action. “Dozens of Vashon folks have thanked Islanders for Ferry Action for this major increase of transportation service with the water taxi and a supporting Metro bus schedule. I always tell them; thanks go to the County and State elected officials who secured the funding. What a great day for Vashon.”

Along with expanded midday water taxi service, Metro has increased transit service on Vashon, adding weekday bus trips. Routes 118 and 119 together operate 51 weekday trips that connect riders to Washington State Ferry sailings.

Water taxi fares to Vashon are $6.75 for adults ($5.75 with an ORCA card). Passengers 18 and under ride free. Reduced fares are available for people with disabilities, people with lower incomes, and seniors. 

King County Water Taxi Schedule – Vashon Island Route Monday-Friday (*new sailings starting July 1)