When the viaduct is torn down, West Seattle residents will no doubt face a difficult commute. The Water Taxi can become an essential transportation option at that point.

I think a larger moorage pier dedicated to the Water Taxi should be built soon, in advance of the demolition of the viaduct. The Water Taxi should be run year-round as a permanent passenger-only ferry. In addition to shuttle buses, a park-and-ride lot should also be built to accommodate Water Taxi commuters.

It's important to plan ahead for the problems that will be caused when the viaduct is out of commission. Funding of transportation alternatives like the water Taxi should be part of the construction budget. Faced with a grinding commute, I believe many drivers and bus-riders would gladly switch to the Water Taxi. It's really the best route out of West Seattle.

Eric Shalit

Seaview