SENATE BILL REPORT
SSB 6277
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.
As Amended by House, March 11, 2008
Title: An act relating to accommodating certain private transit providers at park and ride lots.
Brief Description: Providing for the accommodation of certain private transit providers at park and ride lots.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Haugen and Spanel).
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/23/08, 2/04/08 [DPS].
Passed Senate: 2/18/08, 48-0.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6277 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Marr, Vice Chair; Murray, Vice Chair; Swecker, Ranking Minority Member; Berkey, Delvin, Holmquist, Kauffman, Kilmer, King, Pflug, Sheldon and Spanel.
Staff: Kelly Simpson (786-7403)
Background: Various local transit agencies own and operate park and ride lots as part of the agencies' public transportation service. The transit agencies provide regularly scheduled service at the lots. The park and ride lots are not specifically established for the purpose of accomodating private transit options, such as aeroporters and special needs transportation providers.
Summary of Substitute Bill: Any local transit agency that has received state funding for a park and ride lot must accommodate at that lot auto transportation companies (e.g., aeroporters) or special needs transportation providers. However, only private transit providers that intend to provide, or already provide, regularly scheduled service at that lot qualify for the accommodation. The accommodation must be in the form of an agreement between the transit agency and the private transit provider that coordinates arrival and departure schedules.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill: PRO: This bill would serve the public
by expanding the reach of public transportation services.
OTHER: Transit agencies have concerns that with many park and ride lots already close to
reaching full capacity, this bill could impair the functionality of the lots. It may also encourage
illegal parking. Some of the bill language is ambiguous.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Chris Van Dyk, BYG Taxicab Cooperative.
OTHER: Peter Thein, Washington State Transit Association; Chuck Williams, King County.
House Amendment(s): Allows the transit agency to require the following in the accommodation
agreement: (1) provisions to recover costs and fair market value for the use of the lot; (2) adequate
insurance and indemnification of the transit agency; and (3) other reasonable provisions to ensure
that the private transit provider's use does not unduly burden the transit agency.
Provides that no accommodation is required if the lots are at or exceed 90 percent capacity.