SENATE BILL REPORT

                   HB 1421

                    As of February 12, 1998

Title:  An act relating to expanding the list of transportation supportive uses permitted in transportation centers.

Brief Description:  Using transportation centers.

Sponsors:  Representatives Mitchell, Ogden, Carlson, Scott, Fisher, Hickel, Costa, Robertson, Radcliff, Carrell, Lambert, Talcott, O'Brien and L. Thomas.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Transportation:  3/20/97, 3/31/97 [DP, DNP]; 2/19/98.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff:  Gene Baxstrom (786-7303)

Background:  Current law provides that cities, towns, counties or transit agencies which are authorized to operate public transportation systems may construct or otherwise acquire intermodal transportation centers.  Those agencies may operate those centers, including letting space for public or private purposes. 

Services which may be provided at transportation centers are limited to transportation-associated activities, including taxis, auto rental, trains and buses, travel agents, food, restrooms, parking, and light freight and packages.

Proposals for many transportation centers include other commercial/retail activities for the convenience of the users of the transportation system.

Summary of Bill:  The purposes for which transportation centers may be used, beyond those primarily related to travel services, are expanded to include commercial retail services, offices, professional services, financial institutions, or any other use necessary and convenient for the users of the public transportation system operating at the transportation center.

The authority for local agencies to operate the services and other activities at transportation centers is eliminated.  Those local agencies may only lease facilities developed in conjunction with the centers.

Local agencies developing transportation centers must comply with all applicable laws, ordinances and regulations.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  This bill would allow transit agencies to make park and ride and transportation centers to work better and have activities useful to riders.  This would help with economic development around transit centers and improve ridership through more services for riders.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Chuck Williams, C-TRAN (pro).