State Ferry System Review--Phase 2
This study is an extension of work done by the Joint Transportation Committee during the 2006 interim, implemented by ESHB 2358 (2007), (Final Bill Report).  Issues to be addressed include ferry fares and pricing strategies, levels of service, capital plans for boats and terminals, and financing strategies.  The Ferry Review--Phase 2 Policy Group issued a Status Report in December, 2007.  The remaining anticipated work products will be completed by December, 2008.

The Cedar River Group has been chosen to conduct this study for the JTC.  The Policy Group meets on a regular basis to review the study.  JTC project manager is Paul Neal.

Freight Investment Study
This consultant study, mandated by SSB 5207 (2007) (Final Bill Report), is to evaluate existing fees paid by the freight industry and to identify other income sources to finance freight congestion relief investments.  This includes an evaluation of other states and countries' programs and their impact on competitiveness.  It is examining the structure of a project recommendation body.  The Freight Investment Study Policy Group includes ten Legislators, one Transportation Commissioner and a representative from the Governor's office.  The Freight Investment Study Stakeholder Group, composed of nearly 30 industry representatives, is participating in the study process.  Originally findings were to be completed prior to the 2008 Session; however the Committee has extended the study to coordinate with highway and rail freight project work being done by the Department of Transportation and will present its findings to the 2009 Session. 

Cambridge Systematics, Inc. is the prime consultant on the Freight Investment Study.   JTC project manager for this study is Gene Baxstrom.  For additional information click on the following link:  Related Freight and Transportation Studies and Reports.

Special Needs Transportation Study
This study, mandated in SHB 1694 (2007) (Final Bill Report), is to review legal and programmatic changes needed to effectively coordinate special needs transportation services at the regional level.  This includes examining non-traditional service providers, facility siting decisions, and strategies for a decentralized broker system.  Meetings with providers, brokers and the many agencies sponsoring trips for persons with special needs will be held.  Introduction.

The consultant team led by Nelson\Nygaard was chosen in December, 2007, to conduct this study; a policy group will be formed to oversee its progress. A final draft report of this study will be completed by December, 2008.   Gene Baxstrom is the JTC project manager for this study.

I-90 Bridge Independent Review
With the support of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and Sound Transit, the JTC is conducting "…an independent technical review...of light rail impacts on the Interstate 90 – Homer Hadley Floating Bridge. The technical review shall complement sound transit’s current and planned engineering design work to expand light rail in the central Puget Sound region. The department shall coordinate its work with sound transit and seek contributions from sound transit for the review." (ESHB 2878 Sec. 305 (29))

An independent review team (IRT) was formed to conduct the review. Please see the project website for project information. David Forte is the JTC project manager for this study.

This is the link for the "project website": http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/partners/irt/

Final Report  (11MB)

Bond Finance Assumptions & Cash Management Study
This study will research, analyze, and make recommendations on a shared set of bond finance assumptions and methodologies for use in the development of the 16-year transportation financial plan. The study will also examine cash management practices as they related to the successful delivery of the transportation budget and 16-year transportation plan.

The consultant, Public Financial Management, worked with a staff project team from the Joint, Senate and House Transportation Committees; Office of the State Treasurer; Office of Financial Management; and Washington State Department of Transportation. JTC project manager is David Forte.

Financial Assumptions and Cash Management Study (final report)

Financial Assumptions and Cash Management Study (presentation)

Multimodal Concurrency Analysis - Pilot Program
In partnership with the Puget Sound Regional Council and City of Bellevue, this project will: “….analyze total trip needs for a regional growth center based on adopted land use plans, identify the number of trips which can be accommodated by planned roadway, transit service, and non-motorized investments, and identify gaps for trips that cannot be served and strategies to fill those gaps. The purpose of the pilot is to demonstrate how this type of multimodal concurrency analysis can be used to broaden and strengthen local concurrency programs.” JTC project manager is David Forte.