F.A.Q. (10/2008)
Why is the panel meeting?
Sound Transit has updated the 1996 long-range vision for the high capacity transportation system in Pierce, King and Snohomish counties. Based on that plan revision, Sound Transit prepared a plan for the second phase of regional transportation improvements (referred to as ST2). State law (described in the "Authorizing Legislation" section of this web page) requires the creation of an independent review panel to insure that key assumptions used in the development of high-capacity transportation plans are reasonable. The expert panel has provided independent technical review of the primary assumptions and methodologies used by Sound Transit as the ST2 plan was developed.
How were the panel members selected?
According to State law the panel shall consist of 5 - 10 members who are experts in fields such as transit operations, planning, emerging transportation technologies, engineering, finance, law, the environment, geography, economics and political science. The law also states that panel members will be appointed jointly by the Chair of the Legislative Transportation Committee, the Secretary of the Department of Transportation, and the Governor.
How often does the panel meet?
The panel met approximately once per quarter from February 2005 to June 2007. Since the voters did not approve the November 2007 ballot measure that included ST2, the panel reconvened and met three times in 2008 to review revised plans for ST2.
What is high-capacity transportation?
According the state law (Chapter 81.104.015 RCW),high-capacity transportation is defined as "a system of public transportation services within an urbanized region operating principally on exclusive rights of way, and the supporting services and facilities necessary to implement such a system." That system can include "interim express services and high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, which taken as a whole, provides a substantially higher level of passenger capacity, speed, and frequency than traditional public transportation systems operating principally in general purpose roadways." Examples of high-capacity transportation services in the Sound Transit system include Sounder commuter rail, Link light rail, ST express buses, and, potentially, monorail.
Will the panel be making recommendations about which high-capacity transit projects should be included in the next phase of capital projects?
No. The panel's role is to review and comment on the underlying assumptions and methodologies that are being used by Sound Transit to develop their recommendations. The panel will not be making recommendations regarding which projects to include in the plan.
To whom will the panel's recommendations or findings go? What will those decision-makers do with the panel's advice?
The panel's findings will be sent to the Chair of the Legislative Transportation Committee, the Governor, the Secretary of Transportation, the regional transportation planning organization (Puget Sound Regional Council) and the Sound Transit Board and Chief Executive. The panel is an advisory committee. Its recommendations will be considered by those entities as they make decisions about the region's high capacity transportation system.
When will Sound Transit make final decisions about projects to be included in ST2?
The Sound Transit Board approved the projects in the revised ST2 plan for the November 2008 ballot measure. See Sound Transit's expansion proposal web pages.
How can I be notified of upcoming Panel meetings?
Please go to the "Meeting Notice Sign Up" section of this web site and provide your email address. You will be notified of upcoming meetings and receive agendas for those meetings.
Are the panel meetings open to the public?
Yes. The panel generally meets for two days at locations in downtown Seattle. The meetings are open to the public.
Who can I contact to find out more information about the Panel?
John Howell is the Administrator for the panel. Please go to the "Contacts" section of this web site to request more information or contact John.
