Say "wow" to VOWS?

The Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC) has launched a new program for soliciting public input. It's called Voice of Washington State (VOWS) and it takes advantage of new web-based techololgy. Read about it here:

• news release
• VOWS website
• Transportation Issues Daily blog post

The program includes:

1. seven regional Online Discussion Forums to publicly voice opinions, post ideas, and interact with other citizens
2. online Survey Panel to participate in occasional online surveys

Jefferson County is in the Western Washington Forum.

Anyone is welcome to participate in the discussion forums and survey panel. One must create an account using an email address and password in order to participate.

According to the WSTC news release dated June 28, 2012:

The ultimate goal is to gather public input on Washington state transportation policy and funding, and to inform the statewide discussion and decision-making process. Topics for discussion will focus on all things transportation: highways, mass transit, freight and high-speed rail, ferries, barges and aviation. The governor and Legislature will be briefed on the ideas and data generated through the online discussion forums and surveys.

The combination of the online survey and the regional online discussion forums is a new outreach strategy for the WSTC. While the Commission has conducted successful phone and email surveys through the Ferry Riders Opinion Group for a few years, the primary community input tool has been public meetings. The online tools remove the distance and travel barriers inherent to public meetings; this increases the opportunity for everyone – no matter where they live – to participate and share their views.

MAP-21 mapped out

After 33 months of wrangling, Congress finally agreed late last week on a transportation package to replace SAFETEA-LU. It's called MAP-21 -- Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act -- and will direct $105 billion worth of federal surface transportation funding for the next 27 months, through October 2014.

MAP-21 addresses multiple issues. Although there is general relief that something has been passed, not everyone is happy with the result. For summaries and perspectives, try the following:

• Easy-to-digest summary posted by a Washington, DC blogger
• Cheat Sheet part 1 & part 2 and MAP-21 Learning Center supplied by Transportation Issues Daily (TID)
• US Department of Transportation MAP-21 web portal
• Quotes from Congressional leaders (TID) about the compromise
• Joint Explanatory Statement from Congress describing the final bill negotiations
• Chart comparing final Conference Report version to original Senate and House versions (Politico)
• Congressional Budget Office (CBO) cost estimate
• The Secretary of Transportation says that "this is a good bill that will create jobs, strengthen our transportation system, and grow our economy"
• National Journal asks transportation experts whether it's "an early Christmas present or a lump of coal"
• Rails-to-Trails Conservancy suggests the bill is "a step back"
• Transportation for America says it's "a clear step backwards"

More opinions and perspectives are bound to be issued in the coming days, weeks, and months as the details of the package are poured over and the implications are put into play once signed by President Obama.


What's your take?

Once again, Washington state ranks as the most "bike-friendly"

For the 5th year in a row, the League of American Bicyclists has ranked Washington state as the most bicycle-friendly state in the nation.

For more information:

• Vist the League's Bicycle Friendly State Program webpage for a complete look at the the 2012 state rankings.
• Read about the results on the League's blog.
• Review the report card specific to Washington.

In particular, the League says that, "Washington is the model for all other states on utilizing federal funds for bicycle and pedestrian projects." Also, the state passed a safe passing / vulnerable user law in 2011 that demonstrates recognition of the importance of sharing the roads.

“People in the Pacific Northwest embrace bicycling as part of a lifestyle that honors the environment, healthier living and transportation choices,” said Washington Governor Christine Gregoire. “This title once again confirms that we’re on the right track, supporting bicycling as a transportation option in our communities.”

Update:

• WSDOT press release re: Washington state's ranking (5/25/12)
• For 2010, the most recent data available, Washington was ninth highest in the nation for bicycle safety and our bicycle fatality crash rate was 0.89 bicyclists per 1,000,000 – the lowest in the state’s recorded history.
• The League named Port Townsend a silver-level Bicycle-Friendly Community, up from bronze status last year. 

Overall Bike-Friendly Ranking of States (League of American Bicyclists 2012)

The mission of the League of Amercian Bicyclists is:
To promote bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation and work through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America.

The League was founded as the League of American Wheelmen in 1880. Bicyclists, known then as "wheelmen," were challenged by rutted roads of gravel and dirt and faced antagonism from horsemen, wagon drivers, and pedestrians. In an effort to improve riding conditions so they might better enjoy their newly discovered sport, more than 100,000 cyclists from across the United States joined the League to advocate for paved roads.

The League continues its advocacy efforts today.

  

Update on Federal transport issues

Transportation remains a hot topic of debate on the national level.

The White House released its Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 budget proposal, which includes significant implications for transportation policy and investment. The US Department of Transportation issued a press release regarding the budget proposal and the Secretary of Transportation blogged about it.

The new urbanism/smart growth advocacy group Better! Cities & Towns shared its perspective on the budget proposal: “Though hardly anyone has noticed, the proposed 2013 budget of the US Department of Transportation (DOT) promises a remarkable advance: It takes livability mainstream.”

Congress continues to debate disparate visions for transportation policy and investment in the Senate and House versions of surface transportation re-authorization.

The Transportation for America campaign provides its take on the latest developments, including the House abandoning the idea of a 5-year bill in favor of the shorter timeframe propsed in the Senate through the MAP-21 legislation.

The Transportation Issues Daily blog advocates supporting passage of the House bill, "even if you hate it."

Through a transport policy blog sponsored by the National Journal, transportation experts discuss whether we'll ever see a long-term surface transportation re-authorization.

Interesting times indeed in the word of transportation...

Statewide Transportation System Survey

The Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC) is seeking input from the public regarding statewide transportation needs, priorities and funding options.

Anyone can take the survey by registering via this webpage. The survey takes 15-20 minutes to complete. Let your voice be heard!



UPDATE: Survey Results - January 2012

• Report
• Slide Presentation

More information after the jump...

WSDOT report on impacts of VMT reduction strategies

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) commissioned a study by the Washington State Transportation Center (TRAC) concerning the Impacts of VMT Reduction Strategies on Selected Areas and Groups (December 2010 - 1.8 MB PDF).  The study is released in the context of RCW 74.01.440, which in 2008 established statewide benchmarks to achieve per capita vehicle miles traveled (VMT) reductions over the next 40 years.

The VMT benchmarks are per capita reductions of 18% by 2020, 30% by 2035, and 50% by 2050, based on an estimated VMT baseline of 75 billion miles in 2020.

The purpose of this study is to identify and assess current reports, studies, and academic literature about potential VMT reduction strategies and their economic impacts on five geographic areas, populations and business groups as specified in RCW 47.01.440(4).

For background information and ideas about VMT reduction strategies, visit the Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Encylopedia maintained by the Victoria Transport Policy Institute (VTPI).

"Transportation Planning for Livable Communities: Measuring What Matters"

Planners Web presents an interview with transportation planners Hannah Twaddell and Gary Toth about their article, “Transportation Planning for Livable Communities: Measuring What Matters,” appearing in the fall 2010 issue of the Planning Commissioners Journal.

The article covers, in layperson's terms, transporation planning subjects such as the role of “level of service” standards (commonly referred to as “LOS”) and the relationship between mobility and accessibility.  The intervew offers additional insights from the authors.  If you're interested in these topics, it's worth the read.

2011-2016 Transportation Improvement Program subject of Oct. 18 public hearing

The Quinault River threatens the South Shore Road.  Jefferson County frequently faces road management challenges resulting from winter storm damage.

The Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) will hold a public hearing on October 18, 2010 as a step in the process to consider and adopt a Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for the period from 2011 through 2016. The TIP is a list of capital transportation projects that the Jefferson County anticipates undertaking in the next six years.  It includes cost estimates and secured or planned revenue sources for each project.


Jefferson County Public Works issued a press release this week that pertains to the proposed TIP and upcoming public hearing.


Visit the Jefferson County website TIP page for more information and access to documents and maps.


You are welcome to comment on this blog.  In order for your comment to reach the BoCC as part of the public hearing and TIP adoption process, please email the Commissioners directly.

New Transportation package still on hold

According to this story, the White House continues to prefer extensions to SAFETEA-LU rather than take up a new 6-year transportation investment package. This isn't sitting well with Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn), Chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Apparently, the Surface Transportation Authorization plan proposed by Oberstar in the spring of 2009 is in line with the administration's policies; the debate is over how to fund the investments (and how this plays out in an election year).

Transportation Secretary on biking, walking, and "what Americans want"

In an April 5 interview with the New York Times, Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood talks about the recently updated United States Department of Transportation Policy Statement on Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation. Secretary LaHood continues to characterize the policy update as a "sea change." He also states that the support for bicycle and pedestrian investments is "what Americans want."

April 14 Note: "Transportation's Bicycle Policy Hits Potholes"
The Seattle Times / Associated Press reports some backlash from "some conservatives and industries dependent on trucking" concerning the recent announcements of Secretary LaHood.

Jefferson Transit to hold open houses about new routes changes coming April 11th

Jefferson Transit will be holding two open houses—one in Port Townsend and one in Port Hadlock—in the coming week to let the public know about the new route changes going into effect on April 11th. Both open houses will be from 5:30-7:30 pm with the Port Townsend one on March 18th at the Marina Room at Point Hudson. The second one will be March 23rd at the Jefferson County Library in Port Hadlock. Both are free to the public. “The open houses are a great opportunity for people to find out about the new route changes,” said Mike Pollack, Interim General Manager for Jefferson Transit. “These new routes are a significant change that makes it much easier for our local community to get around, to get to work and become more ‘Green’. We welcome everyone to attend one of the open houses and learn how this can positively affect your life.” Maps and schedules of the new routes will be available, as well as staff from Jefferson Transit to answer questions. In addition, transit staff will demonstrate Internet-based Google Transit for individuals to determine the best way for them to get from “Point A to Point B.” Some of the advantages the new routes will provide to the community include extended service hours on some routes, fewer transfers between buses, easier commuting (the new schedules match start and quit times of most major employers), and more service to downtown and uptown. For more information, go to www.jeffersontransit.com or call 360.385.4777. Jefferson Transit is a public transit system that began service in May 1981 after a successful vote by Jefferson County citizens in 1980. Jefferson Transit operates as a Public Transportation Benefit Area in the State of Washington.

US DOT Policy Statement on Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation

The United States Department of Transportation (US DOT) recently issued an updated Policy Statement on Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation - Regulations and Recommendations.

Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood presented at the National Bike Summit and blogged about it on March 15.

Jefferson County will be updating the 2002 Non-Motorized Transportation and Recreational Trails Plan in the coming months. Stay tuned for more information on how to participate.