Tolling topics, including low-income discount, up for discussion at May transportation commission meeting

(OLYMPIA)- – The Washington State Transportation Commission will review tolling trends and policies at its May 19-20 virtual meeting, including options for a low-income toll discount program scheduled to launch later this year on the State Route 509 and 167 expressways.

Beyond tolling, commissioners will learn about efforts to expand access to zero-emission vehicles, and transportation planning efforts for the Puget Sound region, statewide and at the U.S.-Canada border, according to a news release from the Washington State Department of Transportation.

The public is invited to attend the meeting, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, and from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, on Zoom. Registration for the Tuesday and Wednesday sessions is available on the commission’s website. The meeting will also be streamed on TVW.

Virtual public comment is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 20. Written comments can be sent to transc@wstc.wa.gov.

Agenda highlights include:

- Low-income toll discount program: The commission was directed by the Legislature to implement a low-income toll discount program, starting with the SR 509 and SR 167 expressways. Commissioners will consider discount rates and eligibility requirements as they prepare a proposal and then seek public input by this summer.
- Interstate 405/State Route 167 express toll lanes: Commissioners will review toll rate and policy options to manage travel times and support project funding along the I-405/SR 167 corridor ahead of the planned opening of a new segment of express toll lanes from Renton to Bellevue in summer 2027.
- New toll payment options: Commissioners will learn about a North Carolina pilot program that allows drivers to make in-vehicle toll payments without a traditional transponder.
- Zero-emission vehicles: Commissioners will receive updates on the state Department of Ecology’s “ZEVergreen” program, which works to expand access to zero-emission vehicles.
- Transportation planning: Commissioners will hear updates on planning efforts, including University of Washington research on preparing for population growth through 2050, cross-border transportation trends identified by the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region and Western Washington University, and the Washington State Department of Transportation’s statewide Multimodal Transportation Plan.
- Transportation funding: Staff from the Washington State Legislature will share an overview of transportation funding approaches from across the country.

For more information about the commission and a complete meeting agenda, visit the commission’s website, wstc.wa.gov.