As a 17 year resident of West Seattle I have grown increasingly thankful to the Elliott Bay Water Taxi and the opportunities it provides to us all. In my role as executive director of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce (since 2003), I have personally witnessed the impressive growth of the Elliott Bay Water Taxi and its impact on our local businesses. In the summer months it delivers thousands of tourists to visit West Seattle businesses on Alki and at the Alaska and Admiral junctions, helping build a vital and sustainable local economy. I am very thankful that it has developed into a wonderful opportunity to get cars off the congested West Seattle Bridge during rush hour.

For the past 10 years, the Elliott Bay Water Taxi has operated as a demonstration service. Its ridership has increased consistently over the past several years. During the recent April-to-September 2007 sailing season, the Water Taxi carried more than 161,000 riders, a 32 percent increase over 2006. Farebox revenues this year were so strong that King County was able to extend service during commute hours through the month of October. Even with a limited season and schedules, the Water Taxi has become an important commute option for West Seattle residents. Even more impressive, it has become part of the community.

Despite the success of the Water Taxi, our elected representatives have struggled each year to keep funding for the boat in the King County budget. Recently, the King County Ferry District approved a Ferry District plan that will greatly benefit West Seattle residents. The plan will guarantee that the Vashon passenger ferry and the Elliott Bay Water Taxi have a stable funding base. Both routes will see increased service as a result.

The Water Taxi will continue to be operated as a summer service by Argosy Cruises for the 2008 season and the summer season of 2009 with the goal of moving to year-round service in the fall of 2009. King County will operate the Water Taxi with better boats, will offer more frequent service, and will better coordinate shuttles and buses with the Water Taxi. This is exciting news.

Regardless of how we replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct, it seems certain that West Seattle will be heavily impacted. It is important that our representatives act now to make the Water Taxi a permanent part of the commuter solution for West Seattle. With improved schedules and better connections, the Water Taxi can play a vital role in helping us keep moving in the coming years.

Patti Mullen

Executive Director

West Seattle

Chamber of Commerce