SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6768

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

               Transportation, February 6, 1996

Title:  An act relating to services by a regional transit authority to adjacent counties.

Brief Description:  Allowing a regional transit authority to offer services in adjacent counties.

Sponsors:  Senator Haugen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Transportation:  2/6/96 [DP, DNP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Heavey, Vice Chair; Goings, Morton, Oke, Prentice, Prince, Rasmussen and Thibaudeau.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.

  Signed by Senator Wood.

Staff:  Gene Baxstrom (786-7303)

Background:  A regional transit authority has been formed in an area which includes the urban portions of King, Pierce and Snohomish counties.  That authority is authorized to develop, and propose for voter approval, a high capacity transit plan to provide services within its boundaries.

The authority is authorized to operate transportation services within its boundaries, including bus and ferry services.  Many bus and ferry routes could originate outside the service area yet reduce traffic congestion within the area.

Summary of Bill:  A regional transit authority is authorized to provide services whose primary effect is to reduce congestion within the boundaries of the authority even if the service primarily serves citizens who reside in counties adjoining the authority.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  This provides another tool to move people to destinations within the Puget Sound.  It would allow an RTA to contract with ferry providers to serve activity centers, avoiding already congested highway corridors.

Testimony Against:  Transit systems need to place more emphasis on paying their own way and should not be adding services which will cost more money.

Testified:  Senator Haugen, prime sponsor; Martin Behr, Mosquito Fleet (pro); Paul W. Locke (con).