Bill would let transit riders serve as voting members on PTBA boards; committee hears competing views on accountability

The House Transportation Committee on Jan. 27 took testimony on House Bill 1418, which would allow public transportation benefit areas (PTBAs) to appoint up to two voting members who primarily use public transit to their governing bodies. One of those members should represent a community‑based organization if possible; if not available, both appointees may be individual transit‑dependent riders. The bill requires transit‑using members to receive training on the Open Public Meetings Act and the Public Records Act and directs PTBAs with transit‑using members to hold meetings at times and places reasonably accessible by transit. The bill would take effect Jan. 1, 2026.

Committee staff explained the current structure and scope of PTBAs. David Monnke, staff to the committee, said Washington has 32 transit systems operating under six governance structures and that…