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** New WPC Transportation Report Card Exposes Deep Troubles, Path to Recovery
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Key Takeaways
* In 2012 the total number of public-transit boardings was 220,697,247. By 2023 boardings had fallen to 164,925,647, a 24% drop.
* Transit agency revenue in 2012 was $2.1 billion. By 2023 it had ballooned to $5.1 billion, an increase of 83% after inflation.
* In 2012 operating cost per passenger on bus service was $4.74. By 2023 it had risen to $12.17, more than doubling after inflation.
* Total annual service hours for Washington State Ferries (WSF) declined from 126,980 in 2012 to 105,456 in 2023, a 17% cut.
* The number of WSF passenger trips declined from 22 million in 2012 to just 17 million in 2023, a decline of about 23%.
* In 2020, there were 164 bridges managed by WSDOT in “poor” condition.8 By 2024, that number had increased to 229.
* State records show 438 traffic fatalities in 2012, rising to 810 fatalities in 2023, an increase of 85%. This rise in traffic deaths is over five times higher than the state’s 15% increase in population over the same period.
FULL REPORT HERE ([link removed])
** FEATURED ARTICLES
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Legislative leaders fail (again) to limit the abuse of emergency power in Washington state
By Paul Guppy
Emergency powers reform was a bipartisan idea with traction. Lawmakers decided not to pursue it.
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Another increase in the state's CO2 tax. Another failure by Ecology staff to understand the market.
By Todd Myers
For every gallon of gas, you now pay 40¢ extra due to the Climate Commitment Act.
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The high cost of kicking the can down the road
By Charles Prestrud
Roads and highways are exponentially more expensive to repair when you delay as long as we have.
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Washington Senate Democrats have published a budget proposal that includes more taxes
By Mark Harmsworth
The proposed budget by Senate Democrats include a variety of new tax increases that would burden all Washingtonians.
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Trade wars are tough on ag
By Pam Lewison
Some defenders of tariffs argue they help farmers. Our Agriculture Director and farmer, Pam Lewison, explains why that's not necessarily the case.
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** ICYMI: President Trump Shuts Down Department of Education
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WPC's Dr. Vicki Murray details why the abolishment of the federal Department of Education should not be cause for alarm for those concerned about Washington state students.
** TAKE ACTION
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Does a bill proposed in Olympia upset or inspire you? TAKE ACTION:
* TRACK BILLS: Using the state Legislature's bill page ([link removed]) , you can search by bill number or do an advanced search using key terms. Scroll down and you'll also see the day's committee hearings and agendas.
* TESTIFY: You can make your voice heard easier than ever by testifying in person, remotely, in writing or by simply signing in and stating whether you are pro or con. Here ([link removed]) is the legislature's step by step guide.
* SHARE: Tell your friends, family, and coworkers about what you see. Share the information you get from WPC. Let them know their voice should count too!
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** Invest in building a better Washington.
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By embracing free-market principles in our research and initiatives, WPC provides the knowledge and tools you need to actively shape positive outcomes in our state. Together, let's pave the way towards a prosperous future for all Washingtonians.
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