News Release

Release date: Oct. 18, 2001

Celebrate a record-breaking season for the Water Taxi

Metro's Water Taxi sailed away with a record-breaking number of riders this past summer. As the popular service continues into the fall, everyone is invited to celebrate its success.

"More than 100,000 trips were taken on the Water Taxi between late May and mid September," said Metropolitan King County Councilmember Greg Nickels, who represents West Seattle. "That is a record for the Water Taxi and proof that people are willing to get out of their cars to use a variety of public transit options."

The 100,000 milestone will be celebrated on Saturday, Oct. 20, at 10 a.m. at the Seacrest Boat Dock in West Seattle. There will be a recognition ceremony, music and giveaways.

In 2001, King County is operating the water taxi as a one-year demonstration to determine the viability of the small ferry as a regular transportation option, before committing to the extensive capital investment necessary for a permanent dock facility.

"This season has been very successful for the Water Taxi on several levels," said Paul Toliver, director of the King County Department of Transportation. "Not only have we seen ridership jump, but we have also been able to lower operating costs."

In previous years, the service stopped at the end of summer. This year, it will run through the end of December, with the possibility of service being extended until next spring. The Water Taxi schedule changed in September to adjust for slightly longer crossing times during the stormier fall and winter months.

Toliver said the main purpose of the 2001 extended season is to determine the level of ridership that can be expected during the fall and winter. He said it will be an important factor in the decision to continue the water taxi as a permanent service.

Fall schedules for the water taxi and supporting transit service are available at http://transit.metrokc.gov/bus/bulletins/water_taxi.html#wtsched.

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