During the past dozen years, the state’s transportation policy has focused on increasing use of public transportation and alternatives to cars, rather than maintaining roads and bridges and increasing system capacity. Contrary to that emphasis, public transit ridership has declined while the number of miles traveled by Washington residents has increased. 

Additionally, Washington’s ferry system has seen a reduction in the number of boats and ridership, while expenses increased faster than inflation.

Finally, the number of traffic fatalities nearly doubled caused by several factors, including an increase in accidents due to impaired driving.

Here is a look at some key performance metrics for Washington’s transportation system.