Warning to Seattle independent travelers

[shepp]

We were docked at Smith Cove the other day. Because we had senior discount cards, we decided to take the bus to the Space Needle. We hiked ten or fifteen minutes from the pier to the bus stop on the Magnolia Bridge, going up stairs and through an unlocked gate. On the way back, we took an Uber that dropped us off right at the terminal. So when it was time to go back downtown for an evening tour we decided to use Uber, thinking it would be easier. But when we left the terminal, we saw a sign pointingpast the taxi stand, toward a pick-up point for rideshares. And then another, And another. And then...nothing. No designated pick-up point, just a sign to some parking lot. Somewhat frantically, we decided to head up to the bridge again, and that worked. We got picked up by Uber at that same bus stop, and would have saved a lot of money by starting out earlier and taking the bus.

After the walking tour, we went a couple blocks over to a bus stop, caught an 8:00 bus, and asked to be let off at the bridge. But when we tried to go down the stairs, the gate was locked. There was a big sign on the upstairs side of the gate - which we stupidly hadn't checked out when climbing the stairs - that the gate was locked after 5:30. We tried walking down the off-ramp to the pier, but a gate we'd have to go through was locked as well. Finally we backtracked all the way to the other end of the bridge, made our way through a deserted industrial area, crossed a bunch of railroad tracks, and finally made it onboard 40 minutes after we got off the bus and less than a half-hour before all-aboard.

So beware.The taxi companies make it inconvenient to catch a rideshare from the pier, and coming back via public transportation is pretty much a nightmare. It's almost like it's been made intentionally difficult not to spring for the cruise line's overpriced shuttle or an expensive cab.

 

[CVU]

We did Uber from the same terminal early this month.   It was quite a walk to Lyft pick up.  Seems that way in most places.  Airports too.  In Vegas we gave up and took a cab.   It was too confusing a walk.

[c-boy]

.. 

Then hope they stop for you.

Edited October 28, 2018 by c-boy

[tutuwahineLV]

On 10/27/2018 at 5:25 PM, c-boy said:

.. 

Then hope they stop for you.

That doesn't work in many cities.  In Las Vegas, it is illeagel for taxis to do curb pick up, you must go to a cab stand at a nearby hotel or business.  We can alway spot the New Yorkers, they're the ones trying to hail the cabs, and getting pissed off when no one stops.  I always try to help them and point them to the nearest cab stand. 

[Peckishpixie]

Uber and Lyft have complicated relationships with both the taxis and the city council. You probably don't need to know all our weird political details but, from piers and airports, it is best to call a taxi if you want a car. In the city from place to place both Uber and Lyft are great. We have a good public transportation system that is growing every day. There are buses right to pier 91 at least every hour.