Summary

The King County Ferry District announces that beginning March 1, 2014, there will be a fare increase for the West Seattle and Vashon Island Water Taxi Routes. The increase will range from $.50 to $.75 per ticket for cash, ORCA, and youth fares; $.25 for riders with a Regional Reduced Fare Permit.

Story

The King County Ferry District announces that beginning March 1, 2014, there will be a fare increase for the West Seattle and Vashon Island Water Taxi Routes. The increase will range from $.50 to $.75 per ticket for cash, ORCA, and youth fares; $.25 for riders with a Regional Reduced Fare Permit.

The Water Taxi experienced record annual ridership numbers in 2013 with an increase of 2.8% for the West Seattle Route and 5.5% for the Vashon Island Route over 2012.  The Vashon route continues to often run at or near capacity despite being approved for a vessel capacity increase from 150 to 172 passengers by the United States Coast Guard in the fall of 2012.

This is the second fare increase for the Water Taxi as it enters into its fifth year of operation and part of the ferry district plan for revenue stability.  The increased fares, along with the projected continued ridership growth from two new 250 passenger capacity vessels being constructed and expected to be completed in 2015, provides a key part of long term financial path for a reliable and efficient transportation alternative for regional commuters.