Transportation Commission Office – PO Box 47308 – Olympia, WA 98504-7308
Contact: Reema Griffith, WSTC Executive Director, 360-705-7070 (Olympia)
Transportation Commission’s virtual meeting takes place March 24-25
OLYMPIA – From congestion pricing in New York City to Oregon’s pay-per-mile road charge, the Washington State Transportation Commission will explore transportation funding approaches during its March 24-25 meeting.
Commissioners will also address topics closer to home, including efforts to reduce fatalities on Washington’s roadways, toll rates on the Interstate 405/State Route 167 express toll lanes, and trends affecting Washington’s trucking industry.
The public is invited to attend the meeting, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24, and from 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, March 25, on Zoom. Registration for the Tuesday and Wednesday sessions is available on the commission’s website. The meeting will also be streamed live on TVW. Virtual public comment is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25. Written comments can be submitted to transc@wstc.wa.gov.
Changes coming to the toll-setting process
The meeting will include a public hearing at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24, where commissioners are expected to adopt a new toll-setting process designed to emphasize public engagement and respond more quickly to financial needs. The commission released the proposal for public comment in February. Those who wish to testify must attend the meeting via Zoom.
Some more details on key topics:
- New York City’s congestion pricing: Commissioners will get an overview of the New York City Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s congestion pricing program, which went into effect in 2025 and charges a toll to enter Manhattan’s Congestion Relief Zone.
- Oregon road usage charge: Oregon is transitioning to a pay-per-mile program for electric and high-efficiency vehicles. Commissioners will hear from the Oregon Department of Transportation about the program and other transportation funding updates.
- Target Zero implementation: The Washington Traffic Safety Commission will provide an update on efforts to improve road safety and reduce traffic deaths and serious injuries.
- Setting tolls for express toll lanes: Commissioners will receive a briefing on options for managing travel times and generating revenue for projects on the Interstate 405/State Route 167 express toll lane corridor.
- I-405 express toll lanes: Commissioners will receive a briefing on progress on the next segment of the I-405 express toll lanes from Renton to Bellevue, slated to open in summer 2027.
- State trucking trends: The Washington Trucking Associations will discuss how state and national trends and policies are affecting freight movement and the trucking industry.
Free, temporary internet access is available to those who do not have broadband service in locations throughout the state. To find the nearest Drive-In WiFi Hotspot, visit https://www.commerce.wa.gov/wsbo/drive-in-wifi-hotspots/.
For more information about the commission and a complete meeting agenda, visit the commission’s website, wstc.wa.gov.
Americans with Disabilities Act Information: Individuals requesting reasonable accommodations may request written materials in alternate formats, sign language interpreters, physical accessibility accommodations, or other reasonable accommodations by contacting the Commission Office at 360-705-7070 or by emailing transc@wstc.wa.gov. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may make a request by calling the Washington State Relay at 711.
Title VI Notice to Public
It is the Washington State Transportation Commission’s policy to assure that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise discriminated against under any of its programs and activities. Any person who believes his or her Title VI protection has been violated, may file a complaint with WSDOT’s Office of Equity and Civil Rights (OECR). For additional information regarding Title VI complaint procedures and/or information regarding our non-discrimination obligations, please contact OECR’s Title VI Coordinator at (360) 705-7090.