SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5564

                            AS OF JANUARY 28, 1992

Brief Description:  Proposing a study to make recommendations concerning van pools.

SPONSORS:Senators Erwin, Thorsness, Johnson, von Reichbauer, Snyder, Nelson and A. Smith.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff:  Jeff Doyle (786-7322)

Hearing Dates:February 26, 1991; January 28, 1992

BACKGROUND:

Van pool use is increasing as an alternative form of transportation.  As defined by statute, a van pool is a van transporting between seven to 15 passengers, usually from a common meeting place to work and back.  Most van pools are managed by public transit agencies.  Metro, for instance, currently operates approximately 300 van pools.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Transportation (DOT), through a contract with the University of Washington, shall conduct a van pool study.  This study shall examine incentives to operate and participate in van pools, alternatives to the traditional meeting place approach to van pooling, time saving factors, and the assessment of costs and benefits.  The DOT must report study findings and recommendations to the Legislature by January 1, 1993.

Appropriation:  $49,000

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested January 28, 1992