FUNDING REGIONAL PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN THE OTHER

WASHINGTON
Support a Dedicated State Source of Operating Funding for Regional Service
Provided by Rural and Small Urban Transit DistrictsMany of the Rural and Small
Urban Transit systems around the State provide regional service outside of their own
boundaries that provides benefits to the state highway system at a modest cost. In
many cases, this regional service provides the only public transportation connection
between communities. Dedicated state support of these regional services would provide
reliable access to jobs, education and medical services for citizens across the State.
Problem:
Throughout Washington State, the Rural and Small Urban transit districts operate
service outside their own boundaries. In many cases, this regional service provides the
only public transportation connection between communities. Transit agencies originally
established many of these services as demonstration projects, using short term grant
funding.
These projects provide vital access to jobs, healthcare, social services and recreational
opportunities. They generate significant ridership and preserve capacity on the state
highway system at a modest cost. Despite their success, their future is uncertain
because they are funded from short term sources. Large urban areas benefit from
access to funding from the Sound Transit regional network and more generous levels
per capita levels of federal funding. This proposal would correct this imbalance, and
ensure funding for regional connections throughout the state.
Solution:
Create a new dedicated state source of operating funding for Rural and Small Urban
transit districts to provide for regional connections beyond the borders of their individual
service areas.
This funding would be

For transit service operated primarily on state highways

For transit service connecting two or more public transit districts
Applied by a formula based on the service delivered
Be tied to performance measures to ensure that the service is efficient , effective
and well utilized
Coordinated through the MPOs and RTPOs of the regions served
Intended to provide a portion of the full cost of the service, with the rest funded
locally
Service proposals would be evaluated by a review board and given prior
approval before being eligible for funding
Administered by WSDOT

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Request: (currently reviewing existing service and funding levels to develop a

dollar estimate)
Estimate:

$10 12 M per year, or $20 -25 M per biennium, indexed over time

Distribution Formula:
1/3 based on passengers carried in revenue service
1/3 based on miles of revenue service provided
1/3 based on hours of revenue service provided

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