WSR 08-01-113

PROPOSED RULES

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION


[ Filed December 18, 2007, 2:09 p.m. ]

     Original Notice.

     Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 07-16-057.

     Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Establishment of toll rates for SR 167 HOT lanes pilot project.

     Hearing Location(s): Transportation Building, 310 Maple Park Drive, Olympia, WA 98504, on February 19, 2008, at 9:00 a.m.

     Date of Intended Adoption: February 19, 2008.

     Submit Written Comments to: Reema Griffith, P.O. Box 47308, Olympia, WA 98504, e-mail griffir@wstc.wa.gov, fax (360) 705-6802, by February 19, 2008.

     Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Reema Griffith by February 19, 2008, TTY (800) 833-6388, ask to be connected to (360) 705-7070.

     Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: Pursuant to RCW 47.56.403 (SR 167 HOT lanes) this rule establishes toll rates for the SR 167 HOT lanes pilot project.

     Reasons Supporting Proposal: The commission's proposed toll rates establish charges for vehicles using the SR 167 HOT lanes pilot project.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 47.56.403.

     Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

     Name of Proponent: Washington state transportation commission, governmental.

     Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting and Enforcement: Reema Griffith, P.O. Box 47308, Olympia, WA 98504, (360) 705-7070; and Implementation: Greg Selstead, 310 Maple Park Drive, Olympia, WA 98504, (360) 705-7801.

     No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. The proposed rules do not apply to "businesses in an industry," as described in RCW 19.85.030 (1)(a), but rather the rules apply to all vehicles using the SR 167 HOT lanes pilot project.

     A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. The Washington state transportation commission is not a listed agency under RCW 34.05.328 (5)(a)(i).

December 18, 2007

Reema Griffith

Executive Director

OTS-1232.2


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 07-13-010, filed 6/8/07, effective 7/9/07)

WAC 468-270-070   What will the toll rates be for the Tacoma Narrows Bridge?  


Rate table $3.00 cash/$1.75 "Good to Go!™"
(two axle vehicles)

Tacoma Narrows Bridge
Cash toll rate "Good To Go!™" toll rates
2 axle $3.00 $1.75
3 axle $4.50 $2.65 (3)
4 axle $6.00 $3.50
5 axle $7.50 $4.40 (3)
6 or more axles $9.00 $5.25

((SR 167 HOT lanes
To be determined))


Notes:
(1) The base toll rate is the toll rate per axle. It is only used to calculate multi-axle rates, which are calculated as a multiplier of the base toll rate ($1.50 for cash and $0.875 for "Good to Go!™" toll rates).
(2) The "Good To Go!™" toll rates are in effect through June 30, 2008, or until changed by the commission. If no further action is taken by the commission, on July 1, 2008, the cash toll rate column becomes the toll rate for all vehicles.
(3) Rate rounded up to nearest five cents.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 47.56.030, 47.46.100. 07-13-010, § 468-270-070, filed 6/8/07, effective 7/9/07.]


NEW SECTION
WAC 468-270-075   What will the toll rates be for the SR 167 HOT lanes pilot project?   A variable toll rate schedule will be applied by WSDOT. Toll rates will vary based upon several factors including time of day, traffic volumes, traffic demand, and overall corridor performance. The toll rate schedule shall be adjusted as needed by WSDOT to meet HOV performance criteria as defined in RCW 47.56.403 and WAC 468-300-828 in order to maintain average HOT lane vehicle speeds above forty-five miles per hour, at least ninety percent of the time during peak hours.

     When the SR 167 HOT lanes are in operation, the minimum toll rate is $0.50 and the maximum toll rate is $9.00.

[]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 07-13-010, filed 6/8/07, effective 7/9/07)

WAC 468-270-100   What vehicles are exempt from paying tolls on the SR 167 HOT lanes?   ((RCW 47.56.403 establishes an exempt category of vehicles. The transportation commission may include other exempt vehicles before tolling commences.)) Vehicles described in RCW 47.56.403 and WAC 468-510-010 are exempt from paying tolls, including transit buses and vanpool vehicles owned or operated by any public agency. All other vehicles using the SR 167 HOT lanes must pay the required toll. All toll-paying vehicles must have a transponder and a valid "Good To Go!™" account.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 47.56.030, 47.46.100. 07-13-010, § 468-270-100, filed 6/8/07, effective 7/9/07.]

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