The Washington State Transportation Commission is seeking public feedback on a proposed low income toll discount program that would launch later this year on the SR 509 and SR 167 Expressways.
The commission, in partnership with the Washington State Department of Transportation, has released a proposal that would provide eligible drivers with a 50 percent discount off the applicable Good To Go! pass toll rate for two axle vehicles.
Under the proposal, the discount would be available to customers with household incomes at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level who have a Good To Go! account and use a pass.
The proposed program could affect drivers throughout South King County, where the SR 509 and SR 167 corridors serve communities including Burien, Des Moines, SeaTac, Kent, Tukwila and Auburn.
The Transportation Commission is offering several opportunities for the public to learn more about the proposal and provide feedback before a final decision is made.
An online open house, which includes information about the proposal and an opportunity to submit written comments, will remain available through Friday, July 10.
A virtual public input meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 7, at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will include information on the proposal and an opportunity for public testimony. Zoom registration is required here.
The Transportation Commission also will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, July 21, at 3:15 p.m. Members of the public may provide testimony before the commission considers taking action on the proposal. Zoom registration is required.
More information about the proposal, public comment opportunities and the commission’s role in setting toll rates and policies is available on the Transportation Commission’s website here.
50% off is a nice gesture but I’d want to know the income cutoff is actually realistic for this area. 200% of federal poverty level for a single person is around $31k, which honestly isn’t that far above minimum wage in King County. Feels like it’ll help some people but miss a lot of working class drivers who are still priced out of these tolls daily and just barely clear that line.