King County has completed the pier modifications to Seacrest Dock and crew training has been completed clearing the way for the MV Doc Maynard to begin morning service on the West Seattle route Jan 7 arriving for it's first official trip from West Seattle departing at 6:15am .

King County Marine Division Director Paul Brodeur will be on hand for the first sailing at 6:15 a.m. from Seacrest Dock and will be available until 7:45 a.m. to talk with riders.

The MV Doc Maynard will serve as the primary vessel on the West Seattle route with the Spirit of Kingston backing her up as necessary.

Water Taxi Schedule

The vessel, built by All American Marine in Bellingham, carries 278 passengers, 131 more than the Spirit of Kingston. The added capacity will offer more room as the West Seattle route continues to grow. In 2015, the West Seattle route served over 313,000 passengers, an increase of nearly 11 percent from 2014.

Like the MV Sally Fox that operates the Vashon run, the Doc Maynard has indoor and outdoor seating, ADA accessible bathrooms and wheelchair tie-downs, space for 26 bicycles and video screens that will display safety, schedule and trip information. But because the new vessel will be spending most of its time in the calmer waters of Elliott Bay, passengers will have access to an outdoor forward bow that will offer a better view of the sights.

The new vessel was officially dedicated on Sept. 18, 2015.