Summary

In preparation for the opening of the new downtown Seattle passenger ferry terminal at Pier 50, the King County Water Taxi will suspend all service July 22-28 to allow construction crews to make final connections needed to shift service to the new facility. Kitsap Fast Ferry service also will also be temporarily suspended during construction.

Story

King County Water Taxi will suspend service July 22-28 as construction crews complete work that will allow vessels to operate out of the new downtown Seattle passenger dock at Pier 50.

King County Water Taxi and Kitsap Fast Ferry customers have boarded vessels at a temporary location at Pier 52 since August 2017 to allow for construction. The new facility will be located on the south side of Colman Dock at Pier 50 and is part of a larger project to renovate Colman Dock.

While service is suspended, construction crews will move the gangway from its current temporary location at Pier 52 to the new terminal and finalize connections and testing necessary for operations at the new terminal. Service is anticipated to resume on Monday, July 29.

The new passenger ferry terminal represents a major investment in passenger ferry service and the region’s long-term mobility, connecting downtown Seattle with West Seattle, Vashon and the Kitsap Peninsula. The new covered facility will have room for approximately 500 passengers. Later this summer, the facility also will feature an observation platform overlooking the bay at the west end as construction progresses. 

How to get around while Water Taxi service is suspended

While Water Taxi service is suspended, riders are encouraged to use one or more of the following options:

Buses

• Metro’s RapidRide C Line and routes 21, 37, 55, 56, 57, 120 and 125 connect West Seattle to downtown Seattle. 
• Route 116 connects the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal to downtown Seattle during weekday peak commuting hours. 
• Routes 118 and 119 connect Vashon Island, the Vashon Ferry Terminal and West Seattle to downtown Seattle. 
• Route 128 connects the Admiral District, Morgan Junction, High Point, Delridge, South Seattle College and White Center areas with the West Seattle Junction.
• Water Taxi shuttle routes 773 and 775 will continue to operate on their regular schedules during the closure, connecting West Seattle riders to the West Seattle Junction and Alki Beach.

Link light rail: Metro Route 50 connects West Seattle to Link light rail at SODO Station.

Ride2 West Seattle: Ride2 West Seattle is a new on-demand service for people who live or work in West Seattle. It provides rides to and from Metro buses at the Alaska Junction.

When will the Water Taxi be back in service?

Normal service is anticipated to resume on Monday, July 29, pending final testing of systems and acceptance. Riders can stay informed via our service alerts, on our website (www.kingcounty.gov/watertaxi), and our Instagram feed (www.instagram.com/kcwatertaxi/). For up-to-date information, please subscribe to Water Taxi service alerts on our website.