Washington State Transportation Commission to Discuss Road Usage Charge, Other Issues

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The Washington State Transportation Commission will hold a meeting on Dec. 13 and Dec. 14 during which it will discuss several topics, including traffic safety challenges, a statewide road usage charge program and approaches to addressing fuel funding shortfalls for Washington State Ferries. 

The meeting begins at 9 a.m. both days and will be held over Zoom. TVW will broadcast the meeting live and those interested in attending can do so at the commission’s website at https://wstc.wa.gov/meetings/. 

On Tuesday, Dec. 13, the commission will hear from the Traffic Safety Commission about an increase in roadway injuries and fatalities and possible needed policy changes. On that day, the commission will also hold a work session on current research, testing and preparations for a road usage charge program in Washington. As part of that work session, a pay-per-mile system will be discussed. The commission’s recommendations will be provided by the Legislature for consideration in the 2023 legislative session. 



Other topics that will be discussed include a federal report  on the impacts of driver assist vehicle technology, tolling equity programs and efforts to reconnect communities in which highways serve as main streets. 

The commission will take public comment at 11:15 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 14. Those wishing to speak can sign up during the meeting by posting their name in the Q&A box on-screen. Written comments can be submitted via email at transc@wstc.wa.gov.