The Transportation Commission has issued a proposal for a low-income toll discount program for the SR 509 Expressway and SR 167 Expressway.
Background
The Commission has been assessing the development of a low-income toll discount program since 2019, when the Legislature directed a study to look at options for a low-income toll program on the I-405 and SR 167 Express Toll Lanes (ETLs). Based upon the study findings, the Commission recommended a system-wide low-income toll program be implemented on tolled facilities.
In 2025, the Legislature directed the Commission to move forward with designing and implementing a system-wide low-income toll program, in partnership with the Department of Transportation, beginning with the SR 509 and SR 167 Expressways.
Low-Income Toll Discount Proposal
The Commission has proposed a low-income toll discount for the SR 509 and SR 167 Expressways, as follows:
- 50% off the applicable Good To Go! pass toll rate for two-axle vehicles.
- To be eligible, customers would need a household income of no more than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
If this is approved by the Commission, the Department of Transportation will begin engagement and enrollment for the program this fall.
How Can I Provide Comments?
The public comment period for the Commission’s low-income toll discount proposal has closed. However, you can still provide comments at the upcoming virtual public hearing on July 21. Registration links can be found below and on the 2026 Meetings page:
- Transportation Commission Meeting, July 21 (3:15 p.m.): Register to attend here. The Commission is expected to make a final decision on the proposed low-income toll discount program.
What are the Next Steps?
- July 21: The Commission will consider making a final decision on the low-income toll discount program.
- Fall 2026: If the program is approved by the Commission, WSDOT program engagement and enrollment for the program.
- December 2026: If the program is approved by the Commission, the low-income toll discount program is implemented on the SR 167 and SR 509 Expressways.
- 2027 and beyond: Monitor and assess program performance.
More information will be provided on this page as the Commission continues to consider a low-income toll discount program.
Federal Poverty Level
The Federal Poverty Level (FPL) is commonly used to determine eligibility for governmental benefit programs like Medicaid. These federal guidelines are issued annually and set the income limits for many need-based programs, helping determine who qualifies for assistance. The guidelines are adjusted for inflation each year and vary by household size.
200% of the 2026 FPL is shown in the table below.
| Household Size | Monthly Income | Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,660 | $31,920 |
| 2 | $3,607 | $43,280 |
| 3 | $4,553 | $54,640 |
| 4 | $5,500 | $66,000 |
| 5 | $6,447 | $77,360 |
| 6 | $7,393 | $88,720 |
| 7 | $8,340 | $100,080 |
| 8 | $9,287 | $111,440 |