The King County Council decided, for some bizarre reason, to take another look at so-called “foot ferries.” Councilmembers reviewed a 254-page report the proposes to create three foot ferry lines, included routes from Kenmore and Kirkland to the University of Washington on Lake Union. The plan is useless and very expensive — and, of course, very few would use this option.
So, how much would a useless – but expensive – system like this cost and who would cover that cost?
The foot ferry system would take a whopping $23 million in capital costs to build out, plus annual costs for operating. And, of course, King County homeowners would cover the costs via a property tax levy.
The absurdity of it all just gets worse when one stops and considers just how bad of a plan is even under consideration. As the Seattle Times’ Danny Westneat explains,
“Example: A route from Kirkland’s waterfront to the UW is projected to have only 300 riders per day in the summer and 150 in winter. The boat would average 21 minutes longer round trip than a corresponding bus, while the fares would be nearly twice as high, estimated at $5.25 each way.
“But none of that is the worst part. When it opens, the Kirkland water taxi is projected to have an operating cost of $29 per rider per trip. That’s not counting the capital costs. That means each passenger to board one of these boats would cost taxpayers about $24.”
Officials pushed a similar plan in 2009 that eventually was killed due to the recession. The fact that some lefty King County Council members are, once again, considering it reveals the extent of their delusions.
And their full immersion in the religion of transit at all costs.
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