2662-S AMS HT S5136.1

SHB 2662 - S AMD

By Senator Highways & Transportation

Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

"NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. It is the intent of the legislature to promote the use of icons and pictograms that incorporate the use of commonly accepted symbols that can be understood and interpreted by a variety of people from all walks of life and different nations in order to assist them in the navigation of this state. These signs can be used on roadways and for other transportation-related facilities such as transit stations, airports, bus and train stations, and ferry terminals. Pictograms are signs that depict services, facilities, or destinations in picture form and are used throughout the world. Pictograms are useful for traveling within a transit system as well as for locating transit system stations and stops.

The legislature finds that many signing methods such as icons, already in use by the Washington state department of transportation and other agencies, facilitate use of the transportation systems in the state and connections between modes. The legislature also finds that the development of pictograms for use within transit systems will assist system users, complement other signing methods, and increase transit system ridership through easier way-finding. The pictograms may reflect the unique characteristics of the facility, and those characteristics should be considered and are acceptable in icon and pictogram design. It is the intent of the legislature to have icons and pictograms in use as new systems are put into service to promote tourism and be in place by 2010 to assist international visitors coming to Washington during the Olympic Games in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. (1) The department of transportation shall conduct a study to assess requirements and the cost of implementing a statewide program to use icons to locate transportation facilities and pictograms on signs that identify tourist attractions and transportation systems' facilities and services for transit system users. The new standards are to supplement existing signs. The program must include guidelines for implementing state, regional, and local sign programs.

(2) The program must use existing logos and signs to the extent possible for this program and set standards, consistent with federal and state requirements and convenience for the traveling public. The program signing is to be easily understood by the traveling public, including but not limited to persons with disabilities, non-English speaking persons, and visitors from other nations. The program for signage must employ graphics consistent with international symbols for transportation facilities and signage that are consistent with department of transportation guidelines and programs. The signage must also use distinguishing symbols or pictograms, including the use of color, as a means to identify stations and points of interest within transportation systems. The program must include criteria for designating facilities, services, and destinations for signage and include guidelines for the design, placement, and use of symbols or pictograms. It must also address an approach to implement these signs in an efficient manner.

(3) The department shall develop the program in cooperation with representatives from regional transportation planning organizations, operators of public transportation services, common carriers, port districts with marine passenger terminals and airports on their property, appropriate local governments, and state and federal agencies.

(4) The department shall provide a preliminary report to the legislature by December 1, 2004, on the implementation program, including its benefits and costs. The department shall provide a final report by September 1, 2005."

SHB 2662 - S AMD

By Senator Highways & Transportation

 In line 2 of the title, after "pictograms;" strike the remainder of the title and insert "and creating new sections."

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