Seattle transportation officials back bill to let city request immediate impounds for blocked streetcar tracks

The Senate Transportation Committee heard testimony on House Bill 2495 on Feb. 23, a bill that would allow the City of Seattle to direct immediate impoundment of unattended vehicles that obstruct streetcar operations or jeopardize public safety.

Kelly Simpson (committee staff) summarized the bill and said it would mirror an existing provision for regional transit authorities (RTAs) that lets them directly request impoundment of vehicles blocking high‑capacity transit. Under current practice, entities generally go through law enforcement; this bill would allow city transportation authorities to request a tow operator directly, as Sound Transit can now do for light rail.

Allison Arden, the City of Seattle streetcar program manager, testified remotely in support. Arden said streetcar operators encounter obstructing vehicles about once or twice daily, sometimes legally parked vehicles that obstruct tracks by inches; under existing rules, the city must wait for police to authorize an impound, which can delay service restoration for an hour or more. "House Bill 2495 would eliminate the need to wait on a police officer and allow city transportation authorities to immediately seek impoundment, thereby resuming normal operations much more quickly," Arden said, adding that timing is critical ahead of major events and network growth.

The committee closed the public hearing with no recorded opposition testimony at the session.