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Senate panel hears bill to pilot employer shuttles in BAT lanes in King County
Summary
A two‑year pilot in ESHB 19-80 would let private employer shuttles use business access and transit (BAT) lanes in counties of 2,000,000+ population with transit-agency approval, subject to performance standards, vehicle markings and fee-for-use processes. Proponents say it will reduce single‑occupancy trips; transit groups warn about lost fare revenue and implementation hurdles.
The Senate Transportation Committee heard testimony Feb. 3 on ESHB 19-80, a bill that would let private employer shuttle services use business access and transit (BAT) lanes in large counties as a two‑year pilot, provided local authorities and public transit agencies approve and performance standards are met.
Clint McCarthy, staff to the committee, told members the bill authorizes local authorities, with approval from public transportation providers, to allow private employer vehicles with a minimum capacity of eight passengers to operate in BAT lanes in counties with populations of 2,000,000 or more — a threshold that currently applies only to King County. McCarthy said the bill requires a fee-for-use process, vehicle…
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