Governor Ferguson signed legislation on Monday to help transit riders by creating meaningful representation and participation in Public Transit Benefit Areas (PTBA).
Sponsored by Rep. Joe Timmons (D-Bellingham), House Bill 1418 allows Public Transit Benefit Areas the option to add two voting members that use transit services to their governing boards. The policy stipulates that one of those new members must be primarily reliant on public transportation and the other must represent a community-based organization that serves transit riders. This bill also adds requirements that make PTBA board meetings more accessible to transit riders.
A PTBA is a specific type of municipal corporation created to provide regional transportation services within a county or multiple counties. Currently, the governing boards of PTBA’s are comprised of local elected officials from the area and a labor seat that does not have voting rights. There are 21 PTBA’s around Washington, including the Whatcom Transportation Authority in the 42nd Legislative District.
“This policy is critical for the effectiveness, accessibility, and efficiency of our public transportation systems. Riders have a voice that needs to be included in decision making,” said Timmons. “I am glad that we are taking this big step forward to ensure that riders can bring their lived experience and expertise to transit policy decisions that so directly affect their lives.”
One quarter of our friends, family members, and neighbors lack a driver’s license and rely upon public transit to get to work, doctors’ appointments, the grocery store and more. This number does not include people that have a driver’s license but do not have a personal vehicle. Nondrivers are people of all backgrounds, including aging adults, low-income individuals, and people with physical, mental, intellectual, or developmental disabilities.
The policy goes into effect January 1, 2026.