The bill amends RCW 47.66.140 to expand the eligibility for free transit rides under the transit support grant program to include not only passengers aged 18 and under but also students enrolled in degree-seeking or certificate-seeking programs at community or technical colleges. This change aims to enhance access to public transportation for a broader range of students, thereby promoting equity and environmental justice principles. Transit agencies must adopt a zero-fare policy for these groups to qualify for grants, and they are required to submit documentation of this policy by October 1, 2022, to be eligible for the 2023-2025 biennium.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that transit agencies must align their zero-fare policies with equity and environmental justice principles and ensure low-barrier accessibility for all qualifying students. The department will also require grantees to report the number of trips taken under this program for inclusion in the "Summary of Public Transportation" report. Overall, the bill seeks to provide financial support to transit agencies while expanding access to free transit for specific student populations.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 47.66.140