Public Transportation in Washington

1. Public Transportation in Washington Senate Transportation Committee February 13, 2013 Kevin Desmond General Manager, King County Metro Member, Washington State Transit Association

2. Public Transportation Overview 217 million passenger trips a year, providing: MOBILITY 42 percent of commuters trips into downtown Seattle during peak times are on transit – freeing capacity for freight and other vehicles AND ACCESS 4.5 million trips by those with special transportation needs • 31 public transportation systems • Boundaries cover 80% of the state’s population (rural, urban and regional) • Operate buses, paratransit, commuter and light rail, and vanpools • Connect with other modes (ferries, rail, etc.) • Accountability and performance measured and reported at local, state and federal levels • Funding is 80% local (voter-approved sales tax and fares), 18% federal, and 2% state (other states contribute an average of 22%)

3. Transit Industry Revenue Sources

4. Statewide Transit Benefits • Connecting communities and economic centers • Increasing capacity for roads, rail, ferries and freight, thus extending state investments • Supporting economic growth • Connecting people to jobs, school, and vital services • Providing a lifeline for those with special needs • Creating jobs through infrastructure investments • Promoting a cleaner environment and healthier communities • Supporting Moving Washington: managing demand, increasing efficiency, and adding capacity

5. Managing Costs in a time of Crisis • Heavy reliance on local sales tax, with significant revenue shortfalls • Unmet demand now and into future • High cost of mandated paratransit services, including Medicaid trips • Reducing costs and laying off staff • Cutting or deferring capital projects, bus replacement and service improvements • Increasing fares and voter-approved local tax increases • Draining available cash 16% drop from ‘07 to ‘11 ($133 M) Source: WSDOT, dollars in millions, not adjusted for inflation, Sound Transit excluded Transit service is not sustainable over the next ten years…even with the dramatic measures transits have taken.

6. 2013 Legislative Priorities WSTA supports a robust statewide transportation package to preserve and maintain our state’s integrated multimodal transportation system. For transit, this includes: • Significant, stable, ongoing, flexible new state investment for public transportation operations and capital to meet community needs • New local options so communities can diversify and increase local funding for public transportation • Maintaining current state transit programs and funding Washington’s public transit agencies united to provide mobility and access for our communities Recent polling shows a statewide transportation package needs to include both roads and transit to be successful.

7. Potential Investments • Increasing and maximizing capacity and reducing congestion on the state’s existing infrastructure • Providing more frequent bus service, especially on high-demand corridors of economic significance and overcrowded routes • Expanding service to employers, colleges and universities, housing and community services • Maintaining existing, more efficient service • Restoring or extending weekend/evening service • Providing access for those with special transportation needs • Supporting voter-approved light rail extensions • Adding park and ride facilities, bus shelters and pedestrian facilities