As travel patterns and employer, school and other schedules continue to shift, King County Metro was interested in hearing from Vashon Water Taxi riders and Vashon residents who use Metro bus services on the island.
We wanted to learn more about possible changes to the currently scheduled sailing times, as well as any other feedback that might help improve travel options between Vashon Island and Seattle.
Metro received 1,329 responses through an online survey done the summer of 2023 as well as feedback through speaking to riders on the boat.
What we heard
Much of the feedback expressed a desire to add midday, late-evening and weekend service to the current morning and afternoon commute service the Vashon Water Taxi currently operates. Riders expressed appreciation for how reliable and essential the water taxi service is for connecting island residents to employment, medical, recreation and social opportunities in the Seattle area.
Those who use the Vashon route more often, and especially those using it to travel to/from employment, were more likely to prefer times closely aligned with the current schedule.
Riders who use the Vashon route less often, and are not traveling for work, were far more likely to prefer midday travel times that better align with medical, social, or other appointments.
Adding weekend service was a common theme expressed by all types of riders, to accommodate faster and better access to the rest of King County, compared to current travel options.
Additionally, aligning or adding Metro bus service on the island to serve all Water Taxi trips is a priority for riders traveling to/from the terminal by bus.
What’s next?
King County Metro’s Marine Division is evaluating the feedback and looking at how trip time changes, and/or adding service, would impact Vashon Water Taxi operations. While there is not current Metro funding available to increase service, Metro is in discussions with its partners and within the agency to explore future options.
Thank you to our riders and Vashon residents for sharing your feedback!
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