CV Pass System Developed

Keeping freight moving during major transportation disruptions is key to supporting the state’s economy and jobs, and to ensure that our citizens’ essential needs are met.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has developed a new Commercial Vehicle (CV) Pass System intended to support freight movement by authorizing emergency, essential, and other goods delivery through affected areas during a highway disruption of two to seven days.


When will this system be used?

The state will activate the Commercial Vehicle Pass System when major freight highways are closed or severely restricted, and a limited- capacity detour is available nearby. CV passes will be issued on-line based on the highway detour’s capacity and the priority of goods carried, as determined by the State Emergency Management Division.

Where can I get more information?

More details about the CV Pass System, including the priority categories and the on-line application for a CV pass is available here.

Two test periods will be held, allowing shippers and trucking companies to become familiar with the on-line CV pass Web site. This is an opportunity to pre- register your company and identification number (truck license plate number), which could save you time during a transportation disruption.

The dates are:
January 25 – 29, 2010
February 22 – 26, 2010

Questions and comments about the new CV Pass System can be e-mailed to Jim Wright, WSDOT Permits Program Manager, at or by calling 360-704-6345 during regular business hours.

Draft T2040 Up for Comments

The Puget Sound Regional Council presents the draft Transportation 2040 plan for the central Puget Sound region.

The PSRC’s Transportation Policy Board has been guiding the development of the plan for the past three years. The new transportation plan addresses critical issues such as congestion and mobility, the environment, and transportation finance. It is a framework document that guides future regional decisions, presents the region’s vision to federal and state policymakers and paves the way for the implementation of key regional projects and programs for the next 30 years.

PSRC will provide a paper copy upon request. Written comments on the draft plan are encouraged, and may be submitted using the online comment form. Written comments are also accepted by fax, mail or email.

Fax: 206-464-4825 (Attn: Transportation 2040)

Mail:
Puget Sound Regional Council
ATTN: Transportation 2040
1011 Western Ave, Suite 500
Seattle, WA 98104

Email: transportation2040@psrc.org

PSRC would appreciate receiving written comments as early as possible. Comments received by March 9 will be summarized for consideration at the March 11, 2010 Transportation Policy Board meeting.

Public involvement remains a vital component of the process. During the coming weeks, PSRC staff will continue to reach out to member jurisdictions, countywide subarea groups, and other technical and policy committees to gather final comments on the draft plan. These comments will assist the PSRC policy boards in developing the Final Plan in March. Adoption of the final Transportation 2040 plan by the PSRC General Assembly is planned for May 2010.

Carrying the Load

Friday, the Chamber filed its comments with the Puget Sound Regional Council in response to the draft of a Regional Freight Strategy.

Comments and feedback on the draft Regional Freight Strategy should be received by Friday, January 15 to ensure consideration in the final version that will be incorporated into the long range transportation plan, Transportation 2040, when it is adopted in spring of 2010. Contact person: Sean Ardussi, Senior Planner, Puget Sound Regional Council.

Transport to the Airport

Tacoma won’t be getting a Link to the airport in the near future, but did you know Sound Transit currently runs excellent bus service between Lakewood or the Tacoma Dome and SeaTac twice an hour? Why inconvenience a family member or friend, when you can easily take a $2.50 ride to the airport that drops you off at a convenient location?

Transport to Seatac on a Sound Transit bus is ideal for business travel and a pleasant experience for those carrying few bags or small bags. Return travel is similarly easy, with buses leaving from Seatac (outside of baggage claim) at least twice an hour. Those traveling with especially large numbers of baggage should take note—there is no “underbus” storage, so large bags will be placed on seats.

For extensive details on Tacoma Dome to SeaTac bus travel, download the Green Business Travel between SeaTac Airport and Tacoma from Downtown: On the Go! document. The document covers in detail a round trip for business travel purposes. Feel free to distribute it broadly to fellow employees, friends, and family!

Questions? Contact Julia Petersen, Downtown: On the Go! (DOTG) Coordinator or check out the ST website.

Guest Author: Julia Petersen

Draft Freight Policy Up for Comments

This Friday, 9:00 a.m., PSRC Conference Room, the Regional Freight Mobility Roundtable will be holding a work session to seek input and feedback on the Draft Regional Freight Strategy.

If you are planning on attending the work session, please take some time to review the draft document available at this link prior to Friday’s meeting. There will be a limited number of full copies available for reference at the meeting.

Comments and feedback on the draft Regional Freight Strategy should be received by Friday, January 15 to ensure consideration in the final version that will be incorporated into the long range transportation plan, Transportation 2040, when it is adopted in spring of 2010.  Contact person:  Sean Ardussi, Senior Planner,
Puget Sound Regional Council.