New Study Outlines Use of Tolling to Fund Critical Transportation Projects and Manage Traffic Congestion in the State of Washington
Posted 9.26.06

Transportation Commission Office - PO Box 47308 - Olympia, WA 98504-7308
(360) 705-7070

Date: September 25, 2006

OLYMPIA, WA– The Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC) has approved a Comprehensive Tolling Study and has submitted the study to Governor Christine Gregoire and the State Legislature for consideration. Included in the report is the recommendation for a broad policy framework for the use of tolling to help fund major projects and to manage congestion in the state of Washington.

“It’s no secret that traditional funding sources are proving to be woefully insufficient when it comes to supporting major new transportation projects in this state,” said Dick Ford, chairman of the Transportation Commission. “Historically we have used tolls to help pay for big, expensive projects. Now, through this study, we have learned that ideas like value pricing and high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes have proven effective in managing congestion and are very popular with motorists in other states. It’s now time we establish a policy framework for the use of tolls as a tool to ensure the future mobility and economic vitality of the state of Washington.”

The study identifies eight different tolling policy recommendations. Included among them are recommendations defining the overall direction the state should take on tolling, when tolling should be used, how toll revenue should be applied, how toll rates should be set, the duration of toll collection and types of toll collection systems that could be deployed. The policies also outline who should set toll policy and who should be responsible for planning, development, operation and administration of toll projects in the state. The study emphasizes the need for a system-wide approach to traffic-congestion management and encourages the state to operate new and existing transportation facilities as a system.

“Washington cannot build its way out of traffic congestion and we have to look to innovative ways of thinking and new technologies to address this growing problem. Tolling provides us with an important tool to optimize the use of our existing transportation infrastructure and also raise much needed revenue for mega projects. It is fair to taxpayers because the users of the improvement who derive the most benefit, help pay for the improvement. In fact our statewide survey findings indicated that overall, citizens of this state prefer a “user pays” scenario where the user deriving the benefit pays for it. Our job is to make sure that this tool is used properly and in the best way possible.” said Bob Distler, member of the Transportation Commission.

Two projects currently underway and discussed in the Tolling Study will demonstrate the utility and effectiveness of using tolls, both as a funding source and as a congestion-management tool. Bonds used to pay for construction of the new Tacoma Narrows Bridge are backed by tolls when the new span opens in 2007. And the SR 167 HOT Lanes Pilot Project, scheduled to open in 2008, is an example of tolling used to manage congestion. Solo drivers who choose to pay a toll will be able to use the HOV lane along with carpools, which will continue to use the lanes for free. The toll amount will vary depending on the level of congestion in the HOT lane.

Another project, the SR 520 Bridge Replacement, has been identified by WSDOT’s Expert Review Panel as a roadway in dire need of replacement and is identified in the Tolling Study as a project that should be advanced in the very near future as a candidate for tolling to raise much needed construction revenue. This project is of particular concern due to the lack of alternate routes and the impact to regional circulation should the SR 520 fail. Built 42 years ago, the one-and-a-half-mile long facility does not meet current engineering standards and is extremely vulnerable to windstorms and earthquakes. Safety concerns about the bridge are increasing. While the project has governmental and public support, the funding sources fall far short of the need. The Expert Review Panel identified tolling and perhaps public-private partnerships as another source of potential funding to move this project forward.

“The 520 Bridge Replacement deserves special attention,” said Lee Baker, member of the Expert Review Panel. “The longer we put it off, the higher the cost for replacement becomes, and the closer we get to possible catastrophe.”

“The time has come to move forward with this and other vital transportation and congestion management projects. By adopting a framework for the use of tolling in the state, we can ensure that tolling is considered as one of the tools on a regular basis when decisions are made about funding for transportation infrastructure; and we can begin to introduce congestion management tolling by considering implementing HOT lanes on the busiest stretches of roadway,” Dan O’Neal, member of the Transportation Commission, said.

The Tolling Study indicates that one of the keys to motorist acceptance of tolling will be the ease of using non-stop, electronic systems to collect tolls automatically and at highway speeds. According to the study, “Toll collection systems in the state of Washington should be simple, unified and interoperable, and avoid attended tollbooths wherever possible. Electronic toll collection is recommended as the best approach. It’s simple and can form the basis of a system that can be applied across the state.”

“We believe that our study reveals a fair and sensible approach that will have the support of local leaders and taxpayers. It has proven effective elsewhere in the United States and will help us to move forward on several critical projects,” said Elmira Forner, member of the Transportation Commission.

About the Washington State Transportation Commission
The Washington State Transportation Commission is an independent state agency whose seven citizen members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. The Commission exercises responsibilities in preparing the state's transportation plan, proposing the state's transportation investment plan, and working with the Governor, the State Legislature, the Secretary of Transportation and others across the state in formulating transportation policy. The Commission also sets ferry fares, oversees the implementation of the state’s Public/Private Partnership program, and is currently designated as Washington’s toll authority.

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