On June 27, 2024, riders sailed from Vashon Island to downtown Seattle carrying the Vashon flag on the M/V Sally Fox, named for the celebrated advocate of passenger-only ferry service to Vashon. The trip recognized the historic introduction of midday water taxi service to the island, which officially began on July 1, 2024.

The expansion of Vashon Water Taxi service included the addition of four midday roundtrips across the Salish Sea to go with the existing morning and afternoon commuter trips—growing the route to 10 roundtrips between Vashon and downtown Seattle. Additional trips help people get to work, students get to school, patients get to medical appointments, and tourists make trips to explore parks, have lunch, and ride bikes around Vashon Island.

King County Water Taxi schedule – Vashon Island route Monday-Friday

Seattle (Pier 50) to Vashon	Vashon Ferry Terminal to Seattle
5:30 a.m.	6:10 a.m.
6:38 a.m.	7:10 a.m.
7:40 a.m.	8:15 a.m.
8:50 a.m.	9:25 a.m.
11:25 a.m.	12:00 p.m.
12:45 p.m.	1:30 p.m.
3:00 p.m.	3:45 p.m.
4:30 p.m.	4:58 p.m.
5:30 p.m.	5:58 p.m.
6:30 p.m.	6:58 p.m.

“We have seen steady growth in ridership with the midday runs, which shows that the residents of Vashon were ready to use this alternative when it became available,” said King County Executive Shannon Braddock. “So many people taking advantage of these additional sailings show that if transit options are available, people will use them.”

Growing ridership

Vashon residents quickly began using the new service and they haven’t stopped. From the start of the service in July 2024 through the end of last year, there was a 55% increase in ridership from that same period in 2023.

“The Vashon service was the original water taxi run. Seeing Metro meeting the need of the people living on the Island has been the best part of this expansion,” said Metro General Manager Michelle Allison. “For too long, residents have felt ‘stranded.’ Over the last year, we have seen riders making these midday runs part of their daily transit routine. Access is vital and Metro is glad we were able to provide it.” 

Collaboration leads to expansion

Residents of Vashon lobbied the state legislature for the funding needed to expand the service. State Senator Emily Alvarado, working with King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, the King County Executive and Metro, made this effort a reality.

“This continuation of midday water tax service to Vashon Island is the result of tireless advocacy by Vashon residents and the leadership of Senator Emily Alvarado and County leaders who heard the call—and the high number of riders who take the water taxi shows that it was worth the effort. This expanded service will support the health of Vashon’s community and local economy by providing reliable transportation to and from the mainland.” said King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, who represents Vashon on the Council. “This is citizen action at its best and will enhance local island resilience while providing regional benefits.”

2025: Summer and Strawberries

Through June 2025, the four midday roundtrip sailings averaged over 11,750 passengers a month. For last month’s Vashon Strawberry Festival, the water taxi added special weekend sailings to accommodate those going to the event, and it saw close to 2,000 passengers take advantage of the service that weekend.

Sailing into the fall

In the spring, the State Legislature approved funding that ensured midday service will continue through June 2027. Metro’s Marine Division is also continuing to see what can be done to expand service beyond weekdays.

 “Expansion of service depends on funding and staffing,” said Metro Marine Division Director Terry Federer. “If funding is available, we will work to ensure we have the staff needed to meet the growing demand from Vashon residents. We have a proven track record of quickly scaling dependable, safe, and friendly service.”

Water Taxi fares to Vashon will increase starting Sept. 1. The cost will be $7.00 for adults ($6.75 with an ORCA card). Passengers 18 and under ride free. Reduced fares are available for seniors, people with disabilities, and those with lower incomes.