Committee hears bill to fund pilots giving community college students free or reduced transit fares

Committee staff described House Bill 2727 as establishing an Educational Transit Access Grant Program administered by WSDOT to support pilot programs pairing transit agencies with community and technical colleges. Pilots must provide free or reduced transit fares for degree- or certificate-seeking students and include measurable metrics, a sustainability plan for continuing the program post-pilot, and a written commitment from partner colleges. WSDOT would be required to issue a call for proposals within 60 days after the bill’s effective date and report on pilot outcomes within six months of completion.

Representative Jamila Taylor (prime sponsor) said the bill expands options for students to use public transit while pursuing careers and credentials. Transit associations, student-access advocates and equity groups testified in support: Justin Layton (Washington State Transit Association) thanked sponsors for refining the bill to focus pilots where pass programs are not already established; Kirk Hoping Cotter (Transportation Choices Coalition) testified the bill will target agencies that lack pass programs, help the state’s ~307,000 community and technical college students, and improve access for students who cannot afford car ownership.

Witnesses said many local agencies already offer pass programs but the grant structure would incentivize pilots and scale proven approaches. Supporters emphasized measurable goals and sustainability plans to avoid one-off projects. The public hearing concluded with no recorded committee action on HB 2727 in the transcript excerpt.

Ending: The committee closed testimony and indicated the bill will proceed through further committee steps.