HB 2641 - DIGEST

     Requires the joint task force on ferries to report to the full legislature at the beginning of the 2001 legislative session.  The report must include, but not be limited to, analysis and recommendations on the following:  (1) Ferry fare equity between ferry routes of different lengths;

     (2) establishment of a target for recovery of operating costs from fare revenue that recognizes that the operation of the ferries is the proprietary provision of a service for a fee;

     (3) options for further cuts in ferry service or full or partial restoration of ferry service cuts;

     (4) feasibility of full or partial privatization of the ferry system, public-private partnerships, or state and local partnerships; and

     (5) establishing the short-term and long-term capital needs of the Washington state ferry system, recognizing that the ferry system is part of the state's highway system and that it is appropriate that the public pay for the capital needs of the ferry system as an extension of the land-based highway system.