Starting Monday, April 21, Metro Transit’s Water Taxi sets sail for daily service between the downtown Seattle waterfront and West Seattle. The 2003 season runs through Sept. 28.

The Water Taxi will have the same schedule as last summer, operating seven days a week across Seattle’s Elliott Bay, between Pier 54 at the foot of Madison Street on the downtown waterfront and Seacrest Dock in West Seattle. The crossing time is approximately eight minutes in good weather.

On weekdays, the boat sets sail about every 30 minutes during commute hours and hourly during the middle of the day. Weekend service is hourly on Saturday and Sunday. On Fridays and Saturdays, night service is also provided with the last trip leaving Pier 54 at 10:30 p.m. and Seacrest at 11 p.m.

The service is operated by Argosy Cruises, using the "Admiral Pete," an 82-passenger vessel. The fare is $2 for anyone over the age of 5. Passengers can also use a PugetPass, Visitor Pass or valid Metro transfer to ride at no additional charge.

For the past several years, the Water Taxi has been operated by Metro on a year-to-year basis due to lack of permanent docking facilities and long-term funding. At the request of the county, the city of Seattle has once again agreed to allow the use of Seacrest Marina for this summer.