The bill amends existing Washington state laws to allow certain private employer transportation services to utilize public transportation facilities, specifically transit-only lanes, under specific conditions. It introduces a provision for local authorities in counties with populations over 2,000,000 to establish two-year pilot programs that permit private transportation employer services to access these lanes, provided they meet operational performance measures and standards set in consultation with public transportation providers and labor organizations. The bill also outlines the allocation of revenues generated from a fee-for-use permit for these services, ensuring that funds are used for the maintenance and improvement of transit-only lanes.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes the need for local authorities to coordinate with public transportation providers in establishing a process for private transportation providers to apply for the use of limited access facilities. It mandates annual reporting and assessment of performance measures to ensure that the use of these facilities does not compromise public transportation efficiency, reliability, and safety. The definition of "private employer transportation service" is clarified, specifying that it must be a regularly scheduled, fixed-route service marked with the employer's branding and compliant with certification requirements.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 47.52.025, 46.61.165
Substitute Bill: 47.52.025, 46.61.165
Engrossed substitute: 47.52.025, 46.61.165
Bill as passed Legislature: 47.52.025, 46.61.165
Session law: 47.52.025, 46.61.165