Skip Ahead to Take Action!

Summary. The 2006 legislative session in Olympia is underway. The hot topic in transportation this session is what to do about transit and road improvements in the congested Central Puget Sound region. We had great success in the last legislative session, and this time we're building on that momentum to ensure any proposed solutions for the region includes better transportation choices. We're also lobbying on important transportation issues that affect the whole state.

For details on where we stand on key transportation issues and bills being tossed about in Olympia, check out our up-to-date transportation bill tracker (PDF), and read on below!

Our Legislative Agenda & Background. This year we're fighting for...

• Better Transportation Choices


• Implement Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) Task Force Recommendations.
  CTR is a successful, progressive state program that requires employers with over 100 employees to reduce vehicle trips taken by their employees during commute hours. Through incentives for both the employer and the employee, the CTR program is able to encourage more people to use vanpool and carpool, ride their bike, take the bus, etc. The State's CTR Task Force which Transportation Choices has recently sat on, has identified several changes that will make this already successful program more efficient and effective by focusing resources.
• Follow HOT Lane Implementation and Direct Revenues Towards Transit Operations.
  In 2005 the legislature approved a pilot program for High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes (designated for transit and carpool, but used by single occupancy vehicles for a variable toll) on State Route 167 in south King County. This pilot program will help us have a better understanding of how we can use tolling in Washington, and we want to ensure that the money generated is used for more transit in the corridor.
• Promoting Healthier Transportation


• Improve Air and Water Quality Through Renewable Fuels Legislation.
  Creation of a fuel standard that requires all diesel in Washington to be 2% biodiesel and all gasoline to be 2.5% ethanol will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, provide income for Eastern Washington farmers, and lower our dependence on foreign oil.
• Preserve and Increase Funding for Safe Routes to Schools and Transit.
  We need to follow through on this legislation that was passed in 2005 by protecting car tab fees and ensuring they are focused in these areas.
• Regional Transportation Solutions


• Choose Funding and Governance Solutions that Complement the Projects in the "Transportation Partnership Package."
  Money generated by the 2005 Package will fund predominantly road projects that focus on safety, maintenance, and congestion relief. We want to make sure that regional road money is spent the same way - with a complementary focus on safety and maintenance, not sprawling new highways.
• Provide Funding for Transit Agencies and Active Transportation Investments.
  Along those same lines, we also want to secure legislative changes that will make it easier for the regional transportation authority - in whatever form it takes - to fund local and regional transit. We'll also be pushing for investments in active transportation like bike lanes and sidewalks.

Take Action. At this part of the session things are changing so fast we can't even keep this action section updated with the most current developments (whew!). But that doesn't mean it's not a crucial time to take action.

Right now the best way to take action is to sign up to our email Action Alerts network. This way you'll learn about what's going on, and can easily and conveniently let your voice be heard on these important transportation decisions. If you're already receiving our Alerts, please take a moment to take action - it really does make a difference!