News from King County Department of Transportation
Release date:  June 22, 2006

Metro Transit services eased West Seattleites through morning bridge closure

Metro Transit responded to the severe traffic disruptions in West Seattle this morning by providing extra runs on the Elliott Bay Water Taxi and accommodating more passengers than usual on buses serving West Seattle.

The West Seattle Bridge was closed early this morning due to a fatality traffic accident and subsequent police investigation. Because the bridge was closed well through the morning commute, traffic back-ups were extreme and many commuters sought to leave their cars at home.

Most morning trips on the 149-passenger Elliott Bay Water Taxi were full, and Argosy Cruises added one extra run with a larger boat to handle the additional passengers. An extra trip will be added for this today’s return sailings back to Seacrest Dock in West Seattle. The fare is $3. The Water Taxi will leave Pier 55 in Seattle at the following times this afternoon:

• 1: 30 p.m.
• 2:30 p.m.
• 3:20 p.m.
• 4:00 p.m.
• 4:15 p.m. (extra trip with larger boat)
• 4:40 p.m.
• 5:20 p.m.
• 6:10 p.m.
• 6:50 p.m. (last trip)

Bus passengers can visit Metro’s online trip planner to explore their commute options back to West Seattle this afternoon.