2005 Washington Revised Code RCW 47.60.330: Public participation.

(1) Before a substantial expansion or curtailment in the level of service provided to ferry users, or a revision in the schedule of ferry tolls or charges, the department of transportation shall consult with affected ferry users. The consultation shall be: (a) By public hearing in affected local communities; (b) by review with the affected ferry advisory committees pursuant to RCW 47.60.310; (c) by conducting a survey of affected ferry users; or (d) by any combination of (a) through (c). Promotional, discount, and special event fares that are not part of the published schedule of ferry charges or tolls are exempt. The department shall report an accounting of all exempt revenues to the transportation commission each fiscal year.

(2) There is created a ferry system productivity council consisting of a representative of each ferry advisory committee empanelled under RCW 47.60.310, elected by the members thereof, and two representatives of employees of the ferry system appointed by mutual agreement of all of the unions representing ferry employees, which shall meet from time to time with ferry system management to discuss means of improving ferry system productivity.

(3) Before increasing ferry tolls the department of transportation shall consider all possible cost reductions with full public participation as provided in subsection (1) of this section and, consistent with public policy, shall consider adapting service levels equitably on a route-by-route basis to reflect trends in and forecasts of traffic usage. Forecasts of traffic levels shall be developed by the bond covenant traffic engineering firm appointed under the provisions of *RCW 47.60.450. Provisions of this section shall not alter obligations under *RCW 47.60.450. Before including any toll increase in a budget proposal by the commission, the department of transportation shall consult with affected ferry users in the manner prescribed in (1)(b) of this section plus the procedure of either (1)(a) or (c) of this section.

[2003 c 374 § 5; 1983 c 15 § 26.]

*Reviser's note: RCW 47.60.450 was repealed by 2005 c 335 § 5.      Severability -- 1983 c 15: See RCW 47.64.910.