The King County Water Taxi carried 31,557 riders last month, setting a record for May ridership on the West Seattle-to-downtown passenger ferry.

It represents a 20 percent increase over last May’s ridership of 26,137 passengers, according to the county. Ridership in May 2007 was 22,259 passengers.

“The King County Water Taxi has continued its strong trend of increased ridership as we approach the transition to year-round service next year,” said King County Council Chair Dow Constantine, who also serves as chair of the King County Ferry District Board.

“The Water Taxi is a great transportation choice for commuters that takes cars off the road and gets riders out of traffic," he said. "Our continuing increases in ridership on the West Seattle route are a good indicator for future success as the King County Ferry District establishes its next demonstration routes.”

The Water Taxi also saw a 46-percent increase in cash fare revenue during May, collecting $44,518 during the month, as compared to $30,285 last year—an increase of 47 percent.