| Washington State House of Representatives |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Transportation Committee | |
HB 2718
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Addressing the desirability of reasonable fares for frequent ferry users.
Sponsors: Representatives Appleton, Rolfes, Lantz, Cody, Eddy, Kenney, Quall, McIntire, Haigh, Seaquist, Eickmeyer, Linville, Ericks, Roberts, VanDeWege, Morris, Dickerson, Kessler, Bailey, Smith, Sells, Nelson and Hasegawa.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/5/08
Staff: Beth Redfield (786-7347).
Background:
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Ferries Division operates and
maintains ferry vessels and terminals, constructs terminals, and acquires vessels. The system
serves eight Washington counties and one Canadian province through 23 vessels and 20
terminals.
The Washington State Transportation Commission (Commission) has principal responsibility for
setting ferry fares. The current fare structure for ferry riders includes discounts for frequent
users. This policy reflects statutory permission (repealed in 2007) for the Commission to
consider, "the desirability of reasonable rates for persons using the ferry system to commute daily
to work and other frequent users who live in ferry-dependent communities."
The 2006 and 2007 transportation budgets have directed the Joint Transportation Committee
(JTC) to conduct a finance study of the state ferry system. The study is currently in its second
phase. The study makes numerous recommendations regarding the long-term maintenance and
preservation of both vessels and terminals and suggests approaches to more efficiently serve ferry
system demand.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2358, enacted in 2007, directed the WSDOT and the
Commission to implement recommendations of phase one of the study.
The 2007 legislation directed the WSDOT and the Commission, beginning in 2008, to develop
fare and pricing policies that: (1) recognize each route is unique; (2) use data from a current
customer survey; (3) are developed with input from affected ferry users; (4) generate the amount
of revenue required by the biennial transportation budget; (5) consider impacts on users, capacity,
and local communities; (6) keep fare schedules as simple as possible; and (7) consider options
for using pricing to level vehicle peak demand and increase off-peak ridership.
Summary of Bill:
The desirability of reasonable fares for persons using the ferry system to commute daily to work
and other frequent users who live in ferry-dependent communities is added to the considerations
theWSDOT must make while setting fare and pricing policy.
The requirement that the Commission consider the desirability of reasonable fares for persons
using the ferry system to commute daily to work and other frequent users who live in ferry-dependent communities is added to the fare setting duties of the Commission .
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.