Skip to main content
close

KingCounty.gov is an official government website. Here's how you knowexpand_moreexpand_less

account_balance

Official government websites use .gov

Website addresses ending in .gov belong to official government organizations in the United States.

lock

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock lock or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Only share sensitive information on official, secure websites.

King County Logo

All Aboard! Councilmember Mosqueda & Executive Braddock Celebrate Saturday, extra Friday evening sailings for Vashon Water Taxi

King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda stands with Executive Shannon Braddock at the King County Water Taxi dock in downtown Seattle.

September 17, 2025

King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda joined King County Executive Shannon Braddock in celebrating new Saturday service for the Vashon Water Taxi as well as an added Friday evening sailing.

“Saturday water taxi service to Vashon has been a dream for islanders and mainlanders alike — and thanks to the tireless advocacy of Vashon residents, the leadership of Sen. Alvarado, and partnership with the Executive and Metro, that dream is now a reality,” said King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, who represents Vashon on the Council. “This is a major milestone in our continued efforts to enhance connectivity to the mainland—supporting Vashon’s community health, local economy, and creating more opportunities for recreation and enjoyment for communities on and off the island. I can’t wait to take a Saturday sail for a day on Vashon!”

The water taxi will operate eight extra round-trips between Pier 50 in downtown Seattle and the Vashon Ferry Terminal beginning with Saturday service on Oct. 11. More than $1 million in funding for the expanded service comes from the State Legislature as part of the State Transportation Budget adopted earlier this year. Led by Sen. Emily Alvarado (34th LD), the Saturday service is a pilot program and will allow the program to run for one year, which will end in Oct. 2026. “I’m pleased that the State Legislature was able to partner with King County to expand this essential, high-demand, and reliable transit service,” said State Senator Emily Alvarado.

“Vashon Island was the first water taxi route for King County, and residents have been asking for expanded service. Their efforts with the County and the State Legislature have made this great result possible,” said King County Executive Shannon Braddock. “What was once a commuter service has now grown into both a valuable and scenic part of the regional transit system. Saturday trips between Vashon and Seattle are just around the corner!”

“We have seen unprecedented growth in the number of people riding the water taxi to and from Vashon. Expanding service to 6 days a week reflects the growing need for greater transit options for Vashon residents,” said Metro General Manager Michelle Allison. “Saturday service means more opportunities to visit the brand-new Seattle waterfront, it means more days of being able to explore new places in the County, and, it means more connections with family, friends and local businesses on Vashon.”

“Over the last year, the expansion of the weekday service to Vashon has shown just how valuable providing greater transit options can be not only for Vashon, but for our region,” said Marine Division Director Terry Federer. “Our team is ready to welcome aboard riders from Vashon and Seattle for six-day a week service and all of the opportunities these sailings will provide.”

Water taxi fares to Vashon are $7.00 for adults ($6.00 with an ORCA card). Passengers 18 and under ride free. Reduced fares are available for people with disabilities, people with lower incomes, and seniors. Don’t have an ORCA Card yet? MyOrca.com is the place to go to purchase a card. If you want to use your mobile device to pay your fare, download the Transit GO Ticket app prior to boarding.

###

**Shared from the Metro Matters Blog.

expand_less