OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — A bill that would allow private vendors to rent space on Washington’s park-and-ride lots is headed to Gov. Chris Gregoire’s desk.
The state Senate on Thursday voted 47-1 in favor of the measure, which would give the state Department of Transportation and local transit agencies that receive state funding the option to contract with vendors such as coffee shops and convenience stores.
Revenues from the lease agreements would first be applied to lot maintenance and operations. Any leftover funds would go to the state’s Multimodal Transportation Account.
In addition to bringing in revenue, supporters say the increased activity at park-and-ride lots would make the sites safer for the public.
Critics say allowing transit agencies to select vendors isn’t consistent with free enterprise and could harm existing businesses.
