Public Transportation in Washington

1. Public Transportation in Washington House Transportation Committee February 4, 2013 E. Susan Meyer CEO, Spokane Transit Authority President, Washington State Transit Association Joni Earl CEO, Sound Transit Member, Washington State Transit Association

2. Public Transportation Overview 217 million passenger trips a year, providing: MOBILITY 40 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.) • Funding is 80% local (voter-approved sales tax and fares), 18% federal, and 2% state (other states contribute an average of 22%) • Accountability and performance measured and reported at local, state and federal levels

3. Our Economy Depends on Transit

4. Statewide Transit Benefits • Connecting communities and economic centers • Increasing capacity for roads, rail, ferries and freight, thus extending state investments • Supporting economic stability and 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. Transit Systems are in Crisis • Heavy reliance on local sales tax, with significant revenue shortfalls • Five transits are at maximum tax rate of 0.9% local sales tax • Uncertainty about federal revenue • Rising operating costs • Unmet demand now and into future • High cost of mandated paratransit services, including Medicaid trips 16% drop from ‘07 to ‘11 ($133 M) Source: WSDOT, dollars in millions, not adjusted for inflation, Sound Transit excluded Three percent of Pierce Transit’s trips in 2011 were on paratransit, but the cost is over 20% of their total budget, and recover only 2-3% of the operating costs for paratransit trips.

6. Cuts, Cost Savings & Efficiencies Transit systems are more productive, carrying more riders with fewer dollars: • Cutting and restructuring service and prioritizing the most efficient routes • 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 Transit service is not sustainable over the next ten years…even with the dramatic measures transits have taken.

7. 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.

8. 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

9. Statewide Survey A strong majority of Washington State voters believe that focusing on transit is critical to addressing our traffic problems – only a quarter believe that focusing primarily on roads can solve the problem. Support for local authority is strong across the state, and especially outside Central Puget Sound. EMC Research conducted a survey in January of this year. The results show: • Support for transit funding is truly statewide • Transit is essential to the success of any statewide transportation package • In addition to increased state funding, the public also supports new local options

10. Our vision is a strong partnership between our customers, and local, state, and federal governments that ensures transit continues to be a viable part of our state’s integrated multimodal transportation system and strong economy. For more information: Geri Beardsley, WSTAgeri@watransit.com