Lawmaker challenges transportation commission, new I-405 HOV requirements
Feb 4, 2015, 8:59 AM | Updated: 11:34 am
The transportation commission will release its decisions on I-405 tolling on March 18. It plans to increase the HOV requirement for free use of the new express toll lanes from 2 people to 3 people, and it wants to charge a fee of between $0.75 and $10. (AP Photo/File)
(AP Photo/File)
A lone lawmaker is challenging the state transportation commission’s authority to make a decision on I-405 toll rates and HOV passenger requirements.
State Rep. Mark Harmsworth (R-Snohomish County) doesn’t think an unelected commission should have so much power as to change the HOV requirement from two people to three people by itself. He believes it should have to go to the Legislature to make such sweeping changes.
“This has such a huge impact on the congestion on 405,” he said.
Harmsworth routinely drives the stretch of I-405 that will face these new HOV requirements. He said it might keep the HOV lane open, but it will destroy the drive for everyone else.
“The folks who currently have carpool buddies who are using the lanes responsibly are going to get moved over to the general purpose lanes, making the congestion for the single drivers that much worse,” he said.
Harmsworth has introduced a bill that would require the transportation commission to make the case to change the HOV requirement on I-405 before the Legislature.
“If the transportation commission sees this as an impediment to their authority, then OK,” said Harmsworth. “I want to hold them accountable.”
The transportation commission will release its decisions on I-405 tolling on March 18. It plans to increase the HOV requirement for free use of the new express toll lanes from two people to three people, and it wants to charge a fee of between $0.75 and $10.
It held its first public meeting on the plan Tuesday night.
