OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Lawmakers want to allow state-funded park-and-ride lots to contract with private vendors to provide services for commuters.
A bill proposed Wednesday by Democratic Sen. Steve Hobbs of Lake Stevens would allow the Washington State Department of Transportation or any local transit agency using state money for a park-and-ride to contract with private vendors, such as restaurants or coffee shops, to lease part of the lot.
The revenue gained from the lease agreements would go first to the local agency to help operate and maintain the lot. Money beyond that would be funneled into the state’s multimodal transportation and motor vehicle funds.
WSDOT supports the bill and feels the presence of vendors on lots will increase security for lot users.