Washington State House of Representatives	BILL ANALYSIS
Transportation Committee

HB 2989

Brief Description:  Opening HOV lanes on weekends.

Sponsors:  Representatives Anderson, Morell, Ericksen, Schindler and Mielke.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Lanes can only be limited to high occupancy vehicles (HOVs) Monday through Friday.

Hearing Date:  2/27/02

Staff:  Gene Baxstrom (786‑7303).

Background:

The Department of Transportation (DOT) and local governments are authorized to reserve any portion of a highway under their respective jurisdictions as a high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane.  These lanes or ramps may be for the exclusive or preferential use of certain public or private vehicles carrying not less than a specified number of persons during certain times.

The Transportation Commission has adopted policies to govern the designation and operational requirements for HOV lanes on the state system.  The DOT, in cooperation with the local regional transportation planning organization, sets operating policy for these lanes.  In most instances, these lanes are restricted to HOVs on a 24‑hour basis, a half‑day designation in the case of reversible lanes and peak-period direction for certain applications.  They are restricted to use by vehicles carrying a minimum of two persons, and to transit vehicles and motorcycles.  In the central Puget Sound area, there are 191 operational miles of HOV lanes.

Summary of Bill:

The authority for the DOT and other local governments to restrict portions of highways to vehicles having a minimum number of persons is limited to Monday through Friday, and is prohibited from making such designations on Saturday or Sunday.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

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