Key Facts
The Washington State Transportation Commission is a seven-member body of citizens appointed by the Governor for six-year terms. The WSDOT Secretary and a representative from the Governor’s Office serve as ex officio members.
The Commission provides an open public forum for transportation policy development. It reviews and assesses how the entire transportation system works across the state and issues the state’s 20-year Transportation Plan. As the State Tolling Authority, the Commission adopts state highway tolls and sets ferry fares. The Commission also conducts special studies and projects as directed by the Legislature.
Current Responsibilities in Detail
Washington Transportation Plan
Every four years, the Commission recommends to the Legislature a comprehensive and balanced statewide transportation plan, which also addresses local and regional needs. The plan must be consistent with the state’s growth management goals and is based upon six statutory transportation policy goals.
Ferry Fares and Highway Toll Responsibilities
The Commission adopts tolls for all state toll facilities including: the SR 520 Bridge, the Tacoma Narrows Bridge (TNB), the SR 167 and the I-405 Express Toll Lanes (ETLs), and the SR 99 Tunnel. It also actively monitors and assesses traffic and toll revenue; reviews and oversees toll collection processes, costs, and operational policies; and serves as a public forum for input on tolling. The Commission adopts fare policies for Washington State Ferries (WSF) and reviews and adjusts fares. It reviews the long-range ferry system capital plan and works with WSF in developing operational strategies.
Ferry Customer Survey
The Commission conducts surveys of ferry customers at least every two years, utilizing the Ferry Riders Opinion Group (FROG) survey panel made up of over 25,000 ferry riders. Data gathered from the FROG panel helps to inform WSF level of service, customer satisfaction, operational, pricing, planning, and investment decisions.
Policy Guidance
The Commission offers policy guidance and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature on a multitude of transportation topics and issues, including:
- Transportation finance and funding.
- Preserving, maintaining, and operating the statewide transportation system.
- Transportation infrastructure needs.
- Efficiencies that will improve service delivery and intermodal coordination and connectivity.
- Improved planning and coordination among transportation agencies and providers.
- Use of intelligent transportation systems and technology.
Public Involvement and Outreach
The Commission conducts public outreach both through meetings held in Olympia and in community meetings throughout the state which focus on local and regional transportation issues and challenges. The Commission also gathers statewide public input via its FROG survey panel, via special projects and studies, and its public email and web site services.
Transportation Innovative Partnerships Program
The Commission may receive and may solicit concepts or proposals for eligible public-private partnership (PPP) projects. In consultation with the Governor, it may execute, reject, or continue negotiations on proposed PPP projects.
Route Jurisdiction Transfer Program
Cities, counties, or WSDOT may petition the Commission to consider a revision to the state highway system. Once its review is complete, the Commission forwards a recommendation to the Legislature for final action in law.
Naming State Highways, Bridges, and Ferries
The Commission names state highways, bridges, and ferry vessels. After receiving a naming request from the Legislature, community organizations, a local government, or individual, the Commission carefully considers community support and consults with WSDOT before acting to name a transportation facility or vessel.
Special Studies
The Commission conducts special studies or projects directed by the Legislature, which result in formal reports and recommendations to the Legislature and Governor. Studies or projects currently underway:
- The Road Usage Charge (RUC) is under assessment as a replacement to the gas tax. In January 2020, the Commission submitted a report of findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature, and in January 2023, new recommendations were submitted based upon the Commission’s ongoing RUC research program.
- The Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Work Group advises the Commission in its task to make recommendations to the Legislature on policies that will enable the safe accommodation of AVs on public roadways statewide. The Work Group sunsets December 2023.
- The TNB Loan Report provides the Legislature with an annual update on funding needed to provide up to $85 million in loans to the TNB Account.
- The Hood River Bridge Traffic & Revenue study is assessing the viability of tolling revenues to support the cost of building a new Hood River Bridge.