State Transportation Commission to Consider Tolls, Ferry Fare Recommendations
Posted 1.12.07

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

Date: January 12, 2007

OLYMPIA – Toll recommendations for the new Tacoma Narrows Bridge and Washington State Ferry (WSF) fare adjustments will be on the agenda when Washington State Transportation Commission meets next week in Olympia. The Commission will also take action on a report to the legislature regarding the new Transportation Innovative Partnerships Program.

The Commission’s regular monthly meeting starts at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, January 16, and reconvenes at 9 a.m., Wednesday, January 17. The meeting will be held at the Transportation Building, Commission Board Room, 310 Maple Park Avenue SE, Olympia, and is open to the public.

During Tuesday’s meeting, the Commission will review and discuss a draft report to the Legislature on the Transportation Innovative Partnerships (TIP) Program. The TIP Program was created in 2005 to encourage public-private partnerships between the state and private sector for the development of important transportation infrastructure projects. The Commission's draft report highlights the TIP Program's accomplishments, challenges and expected work plan for 2007. The report also makes recommendations to the Governor and Legislature on areas for improvement in current laws governing the program.

Also on Tuesday, Bob Ryan, Tacoma Narrows Bridge Citizen Advisory Committee Chairman, will present to the Transportation Commission the advisory committee’s recommended toll rates and discounts for consideration. The nine-member advisory committee has held seven public meetings to evaluate various toll rate scenarios and to hear public comments. Advisory committee members were appointed by the Governor and are focused on developing toll rates that are as low as possible, while still meeting the state’s financial obligations for construction and operation of the bridge. The Transportation Commission has statutory authority for setting ferry fares and highway tolls.

On Wednesday morning, Commissioners will hear the Tariff Policy Committee’s recommendations for fare adjustments for Washington State Ferries. The recommendations include a proposed general fare increase of 2.5 percent to help offset higher fuel and operating costs. If the Commission approves or modifies the proposal, public outreach through Ferry Advisory Committee meetings would begin in late February. The Commission will hold a formal hearing prior to adopting the proposed or modified recommendations in late March. If approved, new fares would go into effect on May 1.

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