Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Transportation Committee

HB 1189

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Concerning ferry system performance measures.

Sponsors: Representatives Fitzgibbon, Young, Cody, Caldier and Ortiz-Self.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Permits the Washington State Department of Transportation to develop additional performance measures for the ferry system.

  • Expands statutorily required service effectiveness measures to include a measure of vessels sailing with space available for queued vehicles, for each terminal.

Hearing Date: 1/30/19

Staff: Beth Redfield (786-7140).

Background:

In 2011, as part of broad legislation addressing ferry system finance, the Legislature established an ad-hoc committee to create performance targets for Washington State Ferries (WSF) and required an annual report on progress meeting the targets. The legislation included a specific list of performance areas for the committee to address (safety of passengers, service effectiveness, cost containment measures, and capital project delivery). The ad-hoc committee was also authorized to develop additional performance measures.

In its annual report, the WSF provides data on the statutorily required service effectiveness measures relating to passenger satisfaction with customer service, cleanliness, and service requests. The WSF also collects and reports information about on-time performance and service reliability.

Summary of Bill:

The Washington State Department of Transportation is explicitly permitted to develop additional performance measures. Statutorily required service effectiveness measures are expanded to include a measure of vessels sailing with space available for queued vehicles, for each terminal.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 21, 2019.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.