SENATE BILL REPORT

                                   ESHB 2940

         AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION, FEBRUARY 25, 1992

Brief Description:  Articulating desirable land use patterns in transit plans.

SPONSORS: House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives R. Fisher, Wood, Prentice, Day, Paris and Nelson)

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

      Signed by Senators Nelson, Vice Chairman; von Reichbauer, Vice Chairman; W. Hansen, Madsen, Oke, Sellar, Skratek, Snyder, and Vognild.

Staff:  Judy Burns (786‑7301)

Hearing Dates: February 25, 1992

BACKGROUND:

Over the past 18 months, the Legislative Transportation Committee conducted a comprehensive policy review of transit systems in the state.  The final study report made a number of recommendations aimed at improving the governance, financing administration and planning of transit.

Two of the recommendations related to the comprehensive plans prepared by transit agencies, the reporting of operating and financial data to the Department of Transportation and to the Federal Transit Administration (formerly UMTA), and the reporting of that information by the department to the Legislature. 

Currently, there are inconsistencies in the law regarding items to be included in the initial plan when a transit system is established, the items to be included in annual updates of six-year plans, and the manner by which financial data is reported.  Also, there is no explicit requirement for transit agencies to communicate to the cities and counties within which they operate the kinds of land use patterns which foster efficient transit service.

SUMMARY:

Requirements for the six-year transit development plans (TDPs) prepared by transit agencies are clarified, and the format revised, for reports submitted beginning June 1, 1993.  A requirement is added that the TDP address types of land use patterns in the service area, how those patterns affect transit services, and how transit service and land use compatibility can be enhanced through coordination with city and county land use planning efforts.

The annual transit report prepared by the Department of Transportation for the Legislature will be derived from transit agency transit development plans, and must address progress made toward meeting state transit goals, policies and emphasis areas. 

Responsibility for approval of initial TDPs, prepared by newly formed public transportation benefit areas or county transportation authorities, is shifted from the Transportation Commission to the Department of Transportation.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  available

TESTIMONY FOR:  None

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  No one