Starting Saturday, May 1, King County Metro Transit’s Water Taxi offers daily service between the downtown Seattle waterfront and West Seattle. The 2004 season will run through Oct. 1. This year, there will also be a free West Seattle shuttle that connects the dock at Seacrest Marina Park to Alki and the West Seattle Junction.

The Water Taxi will again be operated by Argosy Cruises, but a different boat will be providing the service. Passengers will now board the "MV Sightseer," a 149-passenger, single-hull vessel that has been a tour boat for several years. It has two decks, with both indoor and outdoor seating.

The Water Taxi will have a similar schedule as last summer, operating seven days a week across Seattle’s Elliott Bay, between Pier 55 at the foot of Madison Street on the downtown waterfront and Seacrest Dock in West Seattle. The larger boat will take approximately 12 minutes – a few minutes longer than in past years – to make the crossing in good weather.

On weekdays, the boat sets sail about every 20 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 55 at 10:30 p.m. and Seacrest at 11 p.m. There is also night service on weeknights when the Seattle Mariners play at home.

The fare is $2 for anyone over the age of 5. Passengers can also use a PugetPass, Visitor Pass or valid Metro transfer.

"We West Seattleites are looking forward to the return of the Water Taxi," said Councilmember Dow Constantine. "Building on strong ridership in 2003, more and more commuters will be able to take advantage of this efficient and effective alternative to being stuck in traffic and paying downtown parking. Whether heading to work, going to a Mariners game, or just taking in the sights on a stress-free trip across Elliott Bay, the Water Taxi has become a tremendous asset for Seattle citizens, businesses, and visitors alike."

The free Route 773 shuttle will operate with 18-passenger vans between 6:30 a.m.-7:15 p.m. on weekdays, and from 8:45 a.m. to 7:10 p.m. on weekends.

There will be a community celebration for the new season on Saturday, May 8 from 10 a.m. to noon at Seacrest Marina Park, 1660 Harbor Ave. SW. There will be a steel drum band, kids activities, and free rides all day on the boat as part of the Seattle Maritime Festival.