Subject of Possible Rule Making: Departmental agreements with urban public transportation systems regarding the operation, maintenance, and demand management of park and ride lots.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Utilization is very high at a majority of park and ride lots, particularly those that are large and well served by transit in urban areas. Overcrowding leads to commuters parking in travel lanes and fire lanes, parking on local streets surrounding the lots, and circling the lots and local streets looking for parking. In addition, overcrowded park and ride lots also lead to crush-loaded buses and trains filled with riders who commute early not out of convenience or need, but simply to get a parking space. Limited park and ride expansion and the free, first-come first-served nature of park and rides contributes to this dynamic.

New rules would allow the Washington state department of transportation (WSDOT) to work more effectively with local partners who want to manage parking. Ultimately, this change will deliver a better experience for commuters at park and ride lots, increase the number of people benefitting from the lots, improve transit operations and meet other community needs.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: A number of park and ride lots under WSDOT jurisdiction that would potentially be affected by the rule change were built in part using Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) or Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds. These agencies have been notified of this action, and may play an advisory role in developing new rule language.

Process for Developing New Rule: WSDOT staff have developed the proposed rule with guidance and input from regional transit agencies (including King County Metro, Sound Transit, Pierce Transit, and Community Transit), the Puget Sound Regional Council, and federal partners such as FTA and FHWA.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Zachary Howard, Regional Transit Coordination Planner, phone 206-464-1253, email HowardZ@wsdot.wa.gov.