Governor Signs Order to Increase Transportation Options

In conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency's public hearing on climate change in Seattle this morning, Governor Gregoire signed an executive order to enact new rules to reduce traffic congestion and climate change emissions by increasing transportation options in Washington's most populous areas.

The order implements targets, which the legislature established in 2008 by directing the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to work with regional planning organizations in the state's seven most urban areas to expand transportation choices, such as public transit and commute trip reduction programs.The order will require WSDOT to work with regional planners to develop transportation plans that are consistent with the state's benchmarks to reduce per capita vehicle miles travelled by 18 percent by 2020, 30% by 2035 and a 50% reduction by 2050.

The average urban driver spends one work week each year stuck in traffic. That time spent commuting means lost productivity at work, wasted gas money and five days sitting in traffic.A recent study released by The American Public Transportation Association, which analyzes gas and parking prices monthly, calculates that the national average savings for a family leaving just one of their cars in the garage for a year is $8,670. In Seattle the savings is actually higher at $10,447 a year.