Washington State Transportation Bill enacts toll increases and public transit reforms

The House Transportation Committee convened on April 22, 2025, to discuss a range of transportation-related legislative proposals and adjustments. The meeting focused on both revenue-generating measures and non-revenue adjustments aimed at improving transportation infrastructure and services across the state.

The first significant topic addressed was an increase in fees associated with driver's licenses and identicards, which will rise by $1 annually, with a similar increase every three years thereafter. Additionally, the committee discussed the imposition of tolls on public transit vehicles, vans, and rideshare vehicles for bridge facilities, with a planned increase of 50 cents starting in October 2025.

Further financial adjustments included a capital vessel surcharge, which will see increases of 10 cents in 2027 and 2029. The committee also proposed a credit card surcharge for riders, which will be implemented alongside these changes.

In terms of non-revenue adjustments, the committee reviewed modifications to the ferry procurement law, allowing for the procurement of five or more vessels and updating vehicle capacity requirements. A new biofuel mandate was introduced, requiring Washington State Ferries to transition diesel vessels to the highest possible biofuel blend by February 2030.

The meeting also covered the authorization of tolls along the entire SR 520 corridor, expanding beyond just the floating bridge. The removal of project notification requirements for shoreline-related permits was discussed, along with the inclusion of asbestos inspections in construction contracts.

The committee emphasized the importance of high-capacity transportation system improvements, defining them as essential public facilities under the Growth Management Act. This definition aims to prevent cities and counties from imposing unreasonable conditions on such projects.

A new county local road grant program was established to fund projects not currently eligible for other funding sources. The meeting also addressed the creation of the Sandy Williams Connecting Communities Program account, which will require quarterly transfers totaling $12.5 million annually.

Significant changes were proposed for the school-based bicycle education grant program, and a tax exemption for zero-emission buses purchased by transit agencies or federally recognized tribes will take effect on July 1, 2025. The committee also discussed the reporting requirements for state agencies involved in fuel conversion activities, emphasizing the need for transparency in emissions reductions.

The threshold for projects requiring complete streets design will increase from $500,000 to $1 million starting August 1, 2025. Additionally, decisions regarding trail development will be exempt from compliance with the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) under certain conditions.

The meeting concluded with discussions on public transportation benefit areas (PTBAs), emphasizing compliance with statutory requirements for board representation to qualify for various grants. The committee also reviewed updates on diversity efforts within the board of pilotage commissioners and exemptions for oil tankers from state pilotage requirements under specific conditions.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the committee's commitment to enhancing transportation infrastructure while balancing revenue needs and environmental considerations. The proposed measures will be further evaluated as they move through the legislative process.