WASHINGTON STATE TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION Mission, Roles and Responsibilities. Presentation to Eastside Transportation Association April 26, 2011

Transcription

1 WASHINGTON STATE TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION Mission, Roles and Responsibilities Presentation to Eastside Transportation Association April 26, 2011

2 Washington State Transportation Commission Seven members appointed by the Governor for 6 year terms Current Members: Philip Parker, Chairman Dick Ford, Vice-Chairman Dan O Neal Carol Moser Latisha Hill Tom Cowan Anne Haley 2

3 3 Washington State Transportation Commission Mission: Represent the public s interest in the areas of transportation policy development, long-term planning, financing and transportation system and service delivery

4 Washington State Transportation Commission Roles and Responsibilities: Five Key Areas Policy Guidance and Recommendations Planning Washington Transportation Plan Toll and Fare Setting Public Outreach and Education Oversee development of Transportation Innovative Partnerships program 4

5 5 Policy Guidance and Recommendations The Commission takes a systematic view of transportation across modes and jurisdictions statewide Conducts various policy and fiscal studies at the direction of the Legislature Communicates information gathered at meetings throughout the year and reports findings, observations and recommendations to the Legislature and Governor in Annual Report.

6 6 Policy Guidance and Recommendations 2010 Annual Report Revenue Recommendations Current revenue is inadequate to sustain the existing system let alone upgrade or add to it State and local governments are becoming increasingly reliant on user fees to help pay for highways, ferries, buses and trains User fees are not the best or most efficient way to pay for the transportation system In a statewide system, collection and distribution of revenue will vary geographically; over time looking out for all needs is most efficient and fairest

7 7 Policy Guidance and Recommendations 2009 Annual Report: Connecting and Building Communities Add Economic Vitality as a sixth goal of transportation policy and planning Connect state investments in transportation, land use and the environment Increase education and enforcement to improve transportation safety Focus safety investments on effective, less costly operational fixes at known dangerous segments or locations Improve connectivity to facilitate travel using multiple modes and between communities

8 8 Policy Guidance and Recommendations 2009 Annual Report: Revenue Shortfalls and Potential Solutions Preserve, maintain and manage the transportation system Explore alternative revenue source and efficiencies, such as Increased vehicle and licensing fees A value-based vehicle tax that tracks with the actual value of the vehicle Incremental increase or inflation factor for the gas tax A portion of sales or property tax generated in areas benefitting from specific transportation improvements Increased application of tolling Provide additional revenue authority to cities and counties to improve streets and roads

9 9 Planning Washington Transportation Plan A comprehensive and balanced statewide transportation policy plan that reflects the multifaceted needs of Washington s transportation system WTP 2030 is intended to guide investment and other transportation decisions It reflects extensive outreach to understand and communicate transportation priorities and needs from around the state

10 Future Needs By conservative estimates, at least $175 billion to $200 billion in funding is required to meet statewide needs over the next 20 years. Statutory Policy Goals: Economic Vitality Preservation Safety Mobility Environment Stewardship --RCW

11 11 A Time of Transition WTP 2030 is a transitional plan, crafted at the beginning of a new era The next four years are likely to see broad changes and policy transitions Federal transportation policy is evolving, as are environmental and economic policies that will influence the direction of transportation and funding investments Fuel tax revenue is declining

12 Gas Tax Revenue: An Uncertain Future 12

13 13 Debt Service is Growing Debt Service is a Significant Share of the Transportation Budget and Legislative 16-year Financial Plan

14 14 Foundational Themes of WTP 2030 Washington Faces a Structural Transportation Funding Problem and Additional Revenue is Essential The State s Transportation System Needs to Work as an Integrated Network, Effectively Connecting Across Modes and Jurisdictions Preservation and Maintenance of the Existing Transportation System is the Most Critical Need.

15 15 Strategic Drivers Informing WTP 2030 Transportation Policy Should Support and reinforce Other State Policy Objectives The Relationship Between Land Use and Transportation is Key. There are Significant Differences Across Regions and One Size Does Not Fit All It is Critical to Educate, Inform, and Reach Out to the Public Continue the Evolution to Performance-Based Programs.

16 Goal: Economic Vitality To promote and develop transportation systems that stimulate, support and enhance the movement of people and goods to ensure a prosperous economy Strategies A. Improve Washington s Economic Competitiveness B. Strengthen Connectivity of People and Communities C. Support the Coordinated, Connected, and Efficient Movement of Freight & Goods D. Invest in the State s Aviation System E. Ensure the Ability to Build and Expand Essential Public Facilities 16

17 Goal: Preservation To maintain, preserve and extend the life and utility of prior investments in transportation systems and services Strategies A. Focus on Preserving the Existing State and Local Transportation Network B. Explore New Funding Strategies for Public Transportation C. Invest in Preservation of Ferry Vessels and Terminal Infrastructure 17

18 Goal: Safety To provide for and improve the safety and security of transportation customers and the transportation system Strategies A. Foster Implementation of Comprehensive Safety Strategies Across All Jurisdictions and Transportation Modes B. Continue to Plan and Engineer Projects for Safety C. Encourage Inter-Agency Collaboration and Cooperation on Emergency Preparedness and Response 18

19 Goal: Mobility To improve the predictable movement of goods and people throughout Washington State Strategies A. Support Mobility Options to Help Communities Meet the Public s Travel Needs B. Improve Connectivity to Facilitate Travel Across Modes and Communities C. Strategically Prepare to Meet the Needs of an Aging Population D. Support Transportation for Special Needs Populations 19

20 Goal: Environment To enhance Washington s quality of life through transportation investments that promote energy conservation, enhance healthy communities, and protect the environment Strategies A. Transportation Investments Should Support Healthy Communities B. Manage The Transportation System To Foster Environmental Sustainability C. Accelerate Clean Transportation Options 20

21 21 Goal: Stewardship To continuously improve the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of the transportation system Strategies A. Continue to Implement Performance Measures to Ensure Accountability B. Leverage Available Technologies to Maximize efficiency in the Transportation System C. Support Tolling as a User-Based Funding Mechanism D. Review Regulations That Require the Same Standard and performance Level for All Transportation Improvements E. Strengthen the Integration Between Land Use and Transportation Decision-making F. Address Tribal Transportation Needs

22 Public Outreach and Education Meetings and local tours during in Aberdeen, Bellevue, Olympia, Omak, and Prosser Upcoming 2011 meetings in Cheney, Clarkston and Vancouver Broad public outreach in developing WTP 2030 included meetings with over 40 groups and organizations and input from a WTP Blog, and Facebook 22

23 23 Transportation Innovative Partnership Programs January 2011 Commission issued Report on Best Practices in Public-Private partnerships 2008 and 2009 Annual Reports recommend expanding use of design-build, public-private partnerships and other innovative financing 2007 report raises policy issues related to current law recommending the Legislature streamline the review and approval process 2007 Commission adopted rules for TIPP implementation

24 Tolling and Fare Setting Two toll facilities are operating. Others are planned or under study: Operating: Tacoma Narrows Bridge SR 167 High Occupancy Toll (HOT) Lanes Pilot Project Underway: SR 520 Bridge across Lake Washington Operating: Tacoma Narrows Bridge SR 167 High Occupancy Toll (Project Planned: SR 520 Bridge SR 99 Bored Tunnel under Seattle Planned: SR 99 Bored Tunnel under Downtown Seattle I-5 Columbia River Crossing Potential: I-5 Express Toll Lanes SR 509 from Sea-Tac to I-5 SR 167 from Puyallup to Port of Tacoma Snoqualmie Pass 24

25 When To Use Tolling: To encourage effective use of the transportation system To contribute a significant portion of the cost of a project that cannot be funded solely with existing sources To optimize system performance, such as with HOV or Express Toll Lanes Tolling should not divert traffic to other routes that cannot be reasonably mitigated RCW

26 Washington State Ferries Nation s largest ferry system 21 vessels on 9 routes Carried 22.5 million passengers and 10.1 million vehicles in 2010 Fares pay 65-70% of operating costs 26

27 Tacoma Narrows Bridge Fiscal Year 2010 Revenue $46,682,925 Expenses $11,183,691 Available for $35,216,066 Bond Payments Toll Rate Schedule Good to Go! Cash Passenger car $2.75 $4.00 Six-axle tractor trailer $8.25 $

28 SR 167 High Occupancy/Toll Lanes SR 167 HOT lanes opened May 2008 HOT lanes are dynamically priced --the toll can change throughout the day to ensure reliable travel times The goal is to maintain an average HOT lane speed of at least 45 mph The toll rate can change based on congestion factors, time of day, traffic volumes, and traffic flow WSDOT reports that a northbound SR 167 HOT lane driver saves an average of eight minutes in the peak hour for a $1.25 toll 28

29 29 SR 520 Floating Bridge Toll rates are designed to: Maintain travel time, speed and reliability Generate some of the revenue necessary to cover operation and maintenance costs, and debt repayment related to the SR 520 bridge Increase 2.5 percent annually through 2016, to keep pace with cost increases subject to commission review and possible adjustments up or down

30 SR 520 Floating Bridge Monday - Friday Good To Go! Pass Pay By Mail Pay By Plate Customer Initiated Payment 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. No Charge. Off Peak Trips $1.60 $3.10 $1.85 $ a.m. to 6 a.m. 9 p.m.to 11 p.m. 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. $2.80 $4.30 $3.05 $ a.m. to 10:00 a.m. 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Peak Trips $3.50 $5.00 $3.75 $ a.m. to 9 a.m. 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. $2.25 $3.75 $2.50 $ p.m. to 9 p.m. 30

31 31 ESHB 1382 Eastside Corridor Tolling ESHB 1382 authorizes express toll lanes on I-405 between I-5 in Lynnwood and NE 6 th Street in Bellevue. Section 3 (1) WSDOT to establish performance standards for: - Travel time - Speed - Reliability - Average vehicle speeds must exceed 45 mph at least 90% of the time during peak hours. Section 3(2). The Commission shall set toll rates and periodically review toll rates against traffic performance. Section 3(4).

32 32 ESHB 1382 Eastside Corridor Tolling Transportation Commission to: Conduct a traffic and revenue analysis for a 40- mile Express Toll Lane system on I-405/SR 167 Retain independent experts Traffic and revenue analysis must review: HOV 2+ exemption HOV 3+ exemption Variable fee Flat rate fee

33 33 ESHB 1382 Eastside Corridor Tolling WSDOT to develop a finance plan in consultation with Commission. WSDOT, in consultation with the Commission, is to develop a corridor-wide management plan for phasing improvements in the I-405/SR 167 corridor. Commission and WSDOT must consult with a committee of local and state elected officials and representatives of transit agencies operating in the corridor. Send traffic and revenue analysis, finance plan to the Governor and Legislature by January 2012.

34 34 ESHB 1382 Eastside Corridor Tolling Traffic and Revenue Study will begin immediately Commission held special meeting on Monday April 25 th to select lead firm Cambridge Systematics was selected to do the traffic and revenue study Plan to complete traffic and revenue study by October Finance plan will be developed after traffic and revenue study is completed - data needed to inform plan

35 The End. Thank you! 35