With the state’s population projected to rise sharply by 2050, within the next 25 years numerous factors will affect transportation mobility, economic vitality, and quality of life in Washington state. To aid in planning, this project developed a data-driven, web-based visual tool, called Mobility Washington 2050: The Future in Motion, that is intended to make complex, disparate transportation data accessible and actionable for both policymakers and the public.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) uses tolling as a key mechanism for managing demand on I-405, SR 167, SR 99, SR 16, and SR 520 and for funding megaprojects on those facilities. Tolls impose an expense on roadway users, and imposition of these fees can raise concerns about equity. This project provided insight into the use of WSDOT’s toll facilities that is intended to serve as the basis for evaluating the equity implications of those toll facilities.

Plug-in electric vehicle registrations have increased rapidly in Washington state. While most charging can be done at home for low cost, long-distance travel requires fast chargers that can deliver a charge while drivers take a short break. This study developed a simulation model to recommend where electric vehicle fast charging stations would be most useful to help WSDOT staff prioritize investments in fast charging infrastructure.

To meet its anticipated growth in electric vehicle adoption, Washington state will need sufficient charging and refueling infrastructure to serve the public. This project reviewed the available analytic tools for planning electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and made recommendations on how to meet legislative requirements for forecasting the needs for zero-emission vehicles and mapping recharging equipment.

To increase equity in transportation planning, this project sought to identify key performance indicators that can measure the effects of transportation projects on vulnerable populations and to develop a framework for incorporating equity into the Washington State Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) planning processes for long-range, regional, and corridor planning initiatives.

By planning and implementing transit-oriented development (TOD) projects, public agencies can promote environmentally responsible and socially equitable transportation services while also making important contributions to alleviating the affordable housing shortage. This project developed a planning support tool that WSDOT can use to cost-effectively identify the most promising park and ride sites on which to focus its TOD efforts.

The 2022 Seattle Commute Study captured insights into Seattle area commuter trip choices and motivators, as well as origins and destinations. The results give transportation planners a clearer picture of travel trends in relation to demographic groups, employment types, and housing.

This project conducted a statewide community outreach effort designed to inform the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) about the transportation spending priorities of state residents as part of WSDOT’s update of the Highway System Plan.