2022
Ultra High Speed Rail Review
The legislature directed the JTC to oversee an independent review of the proposed ultra-high-speed rail system being considered for the Cascadia Megaregion that could connect Vancouver, BC; Seattle, WA; Portland, OR, and points in-between and beyond. The consultant will analyze the three studies previously completed for this proposed corridor (overseen by WSDOT); and examine the assumptions underlying the findings from those studies.

In addition, the consultants will describe the market, cost, economic, environmental, technology, and governance/ implementation factors for three high speed rail (HSR) scenarios:

1. Incremental high-speed rail (HSR) service, which mainly utilizes existing rail corridors similar to the Acela service in the Northeast Corridor (Boston-Washington DC).
2. State of the art HSR service equivalent to the latest 200 mph+ systems in Europe and Asia on mainly newly constructed corridors
3. Hybrid HSR service, which utilizes new infrastructure in rural areas and existing infrastructure in urban areas similar to the California High-Speed Rail Project

Finally, the consultants will assess the range of governance, procurement, delivery methods (e.g., traditional, design-build, construction manager at risk), and finance methods (e.g., public, PPP, private), that could help move the Cascadia UHSR Project from concept to operations.

For this study the JTC has contracted with a consulting team led by RSG. A final report will be submitted to the legislature by June 30, 2023.    

Budget:     $ 400,000
JTC Staff:     Dave Catterson, Alyson Cummings
STC and HTC Staff:     Jenna Forty, Jennifer Harris
Report Due Date:     June 30, 2023
View study materials and information​      

Powered Micromobility Lending Libraries Study     
The 2022 Supplemental Transportation Budget (ESSB 5689, Sec 204(11)) directs the Joint Transportation Committee to examine options and provide recommendations for a state program to assist in establishing powered micromobility device lending libraries. The stated intent of the libraries would be 'to provide low-cost or no-cost, reliable, and healthier modes of transportation to vulnerable communities.' The final report is due to the legislature June 30, 2023.

The specific elements of the study include:

• Research and a summary matrix of current lending library program details including: the types of micromobility devices utilized; entities that operate the programs; technical assistance provided, if any; if a program is specific to serving vulnerable communities; any device purchase incentives; and challenges and successes of these existing programs.

• ​Survey and interview existing lending library program operators and grantors/funders to identify successful grant program framework(s).
   
• Using the information gained through research, the survey, and interviews, develop recommendations on the program characteristics that may best support a successful state program.

2021    ​   ​​ 
Encouraging High Consumption Fuel Users to Switch to Electric Vehicles
The Washington State Legislature directed the Joint Transportation Committee (JTC) to study strategies encouraging high consumption fuel users (HCFU) to switch to electric vehicles.  About 10% of drivers are HCFUs but, according to studies, these drivers account for over 30% of emissions.

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