SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6353
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 Reported By Senate Committee On:
Transportation, February 04, 2008
Title: An act relating to public transportation fares.
Brief Description: Concerning public transportation fares.
Sponsors: Senator Haugen.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/29/08, 2/04/08 [DPS].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6353 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, Kilmer, King, Pflug, Sheldon and Spanel.
Staff: Kelly Simpson (786-7403)
Background: Regional transit authorities (e.g., Sound Transit) are specifically authorized to monitor fare payment and to issue civil infractions for, among other things, failure to provide proof of payment upon request of transit authority personnel. However, other local transit agencies do not have specific authority to monitor public transportation service fare payment or to issue civil infractions to passengers who fail to provide proof of fare payment.
Summary of Bill: The bill as referred to committee was not considered.
SUMMARY OF BILL (Recommended Substitute): Metropolitan municipal corporations
(Metros), public transportation benefit areas (PTBAs), and city-owned transit systems are
specifically authorized to monitor fare payment and to issue civil infractions for, among other
things, failure to provide proof of payment upon request of transit agency personnel.
Metros, PTBAs, and city-owned transit systems are authorized to designate persons to monitor
fare payment, and to establish a schedule of civil fines and penalties for civil infractions related
to fare payment violations. A civil infraction not to exceed $250 may be issued to passengers
who fail to pay the fare; fail to provide proof of payment when requested to do so by a person
designated to monitor fare payment; or refuse to leave the bus when asked by a person designated
to monitor fare payment.
Persons designated to monitor fare payment are authorized to request proof of payment from
passengers; request proof of personal identification from passengers who fail to provide proof of
payment; request that a passenger leave the bus when proof of payment is not provided; and issue
a civil citation to passengers consistent with the established schedule of fines.
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 Substitute Bill: PRO: Community Transit and Everett Transit wish to jointly move passengers by providing high-capacity transportation service. This bill with help expedite the fare payment process while providing this service.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Davor Gjurasic, Community Transit; Doug Levy, Everett Transit.