Brief Description: Using pictograms in transportation signs.

Sponsors: Representatives Hudgins, Jarrett, Murray, Sommers, Morris, Santos, Sullivan, Wood, Pettigrew, Kenney, Romero, Chase and Edwards.

Hearing Date: 2/2/04

Staff: Gene Baxstrom (786-7303).

Background:

Travel information is important for many persons using the transportation system. Federal, state and local laws and policies govern the signage required on many transportation facilities.

In most instances, the signage now used to locate major transportation facilities employs internationally accepted symbols and Roman-based nomenclature. Similarly, urban rail systems use Roman-based nomenclature to identify stations. This nomenclature can be difficult for international visitors and non-English speaking persons to use. Transit systems in the city of Calgary and Mexico use pictograms to provide a simple visual designation of a rail station stop or activities near the transit station.

Summary of Bill:

The Department of Transportation (DOT) is directed to develop a program to implement a statewide program to use icons to locate transportation facilities and pictograms to identify tourist attractions and services for transit system users. The new standards are intended to supplement existing signs, using existing logos and signs to the extent possible including those developed for the Seattle Monorail Authority and Sound Transit. The DOT is to develop the program in cooperation with regional transportation planning organizations, public transit systems, common carriers, port districts with marine passenger terminals, and airports.

The DOT is to provide a preliminary report on the implementation program to the legislature by December 1, 2004 and to complete program development by September 1, 2005.

Sound Transit and the Seattle Monorail Authority are to incorporate in plans, for stations along rail systems, signing easily understood by the traveling public, including non-English speaking persons. The signage is to employ graphics consistent with international guideline and programs and also to employ pictograms as a means to identify stations and points of interest along the rail corridors. The sign requirements are intended to apply to new signing and replacement of existing signs.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 28, 2004.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.