BILL REQ. #:  H-3757.1 

Read first time 01/26/2004.   Referred to Committee on Transportation.

     AN ACT Relating to Seattle-Bremerton ferry service; adding a new section to chapter 47.60 RCW; creating a new section; providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   It is the goal of the state of Washington to provide adequate ferry capacity in corridors where service elements have been eliminated or reduced. In the case of the Seattle-Bremerton ferry corridor, the elimination of passenger-only services has caused significant inconveniences to the traveling public including reduced service frequency and service hours and crowded conditions for passenger-on auto ferries.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 47.60 RCW to read as follows:
     The department shall assign two super-class ferry vessels or equivalent vessels in terms of auto and passenger capacity and speed to the Seattle-Bremerton ferry run. This action is aimed at improving service in the corridor in order to provide greater passenger capacity during peak periods and provide once-hourly frequency of service, which must include a 5:20 a.m. departure from Bremerton.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect on the date the Washington State Ferries implements the 2004 summer schedule.