6381-S.E AMH SIMP LEAT 264

ESSB 6381 - H AMD TO H AMD (H-5516.6/10) 1539

By Representative Simpson

FAILED 3/08/2010

    On page 37, beginning on line 3 of the striking amendment, strike all of subsection (7) and insert the following:

    "(7)(a) The department of transportation shall conduct a pilot project in the central Puget Sound region to assess the impact on the performance of the transportation system of authorizing the following vehicles to use high occupancy vehicle lanes regardless of the number of passengers in the vehicle:  (i) Auto transportation company vehicles regulated under chapter 81.68 RCW; (ii) passenger charter carrier vehicles regulated under chapter 81.70 RCW, except marked or unmarked stretch limousines and stretch sport utility vehicles as defined under department rules; (iii) private nonprofit transportation provider vehicles regulated under chapter 81.66 RCW; and (iv) private employer transportation service vehicles.

    (b) In conducting the pilot project, the department must compare existing speed and reliability of the system during peak and off-peak periods based on current data as compared to system performance six months after the effective date of this act.  In making this comparison, the department must evaluate the current and projected capacity and use by public transportation and by vehicles that meet the occupancy requirements; identify the intended non-public transportation users and use by type and size of vehicle and by time of day and frequency of use; and assess whether such use conflicts with public transportation's safe and effective use of the facility.

    (c) The department shall report the results of the pilot project to the transportation committees of the legislature by December 15, 2010.  The report shall include a system performance rating that compares current speed and reliability of the system prior to and six months after the effective date of this act."

EFFECT:

· Replaces the proposed pilot project with a pilot project performed only in the central Puget Sound region that must assess the impact of allowing certain private providers to use HOV lanes regardless of the number of passengers in the private vehicle.

· In conducting the pilot project, requires that the department compare existing speed and reliability of the system during peak and off-peak periods based on current data as compared to system performance six months after the effective date of this act.  In making this comparison, the department must evaluate several issues, including whether such use conflicts with public transportation's safe and effective use of the facility.

· The department is directed to report the results of the pilot project to the transportation committees of the legislature by December 15, 2010.  The report must include a system performance rating that compares current speed and reliability of the system prior to and six months after the effective date of this act.   

--- END ---