Thanks to a coordinated planning effort, the next 20 years of transportation statewide are beginning to take shape. Now, it’s the public’s turn to help influence the future of multimodal transportation in Washington state.
Released Wednesday, Oct. 21, by the Washington State Department of Transportation, the draft Washington State Public Transportation Planaims to better integrate all modes of public transportation to meet the needs of Washington communities for the next two decades. In order to gather feedback, WSDOT invites individuals to learn about the plan and provide input online or attend any of the public meetings taking place across the state.
“All of our lives are better because of public transportation,” said State Transportation Assistant Secretary Amy Scarton. “Whether it’s rush-hour commuters in the city, students getting to school or seniors going to the doctor, public transportation helps connect people with their communities. This plan offers a blueprint for how our state’s communities and transportation providers will work together to adapt to our changing world and better meet the needs of the people and businesses in those communities.”
The future of Washington’s transportation system—which includes buses, light rail, ferries, and trails for bicycles and pedestrians—will be shaped through partnerships between communities, government agencies and service providers. This draft plan, developed by WSDOT along with transportation agencies and service providers throughout the state, takes another step in defining these new partnerships.
About the plan
The Washington State Public Transportation Plan aims to improve transportation for everyone. It provides a framework for the next generation of efficient, effective public transportation. The plan also brings state and local organizations together to support economic and job growth, clean air and water, and thriving communities through public transportation.
Get involved
WSDOT and its partners have assembled an extensive list of opportunities for Washingtonians to help shape the plan. The meeting itinerary will ultimately include stops in several cities and towns in most counties across the state. These in-person events are designed in part to encourage the public and stakeholders to engage and provide feedback on the plan, and WSDOT will work to ensure that feedback influences the final plan. WSDOT will accept comments about the plan until Jan. 4, 2016.
