HOUSE BILL NO. 1466 Offered January 19, 2006 A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 33.1-56.3:1, relating to development and implementation of plan for use of HOT lanes by bus rapid transit operators in the Washington-Fredericksburg Corridor. ---------- Patron-- Eisenberg ---------- Referred to Committee on Transportation ----------

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 33.1-56.3:1 as follows:

§ 33.1-56.3:1. Plan for use of HOT lanes by bus rapid transit operators in the Washington-Fredericksburg Corridor.

The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transit, in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Transportation, shall, in consultation with local providers of bus rapid transit services in the Washington-Fredericksburg Corridor, develop and implement a plan that allows bus rapid transit service providers to take maximum advantage of HOT lanes within the Corridor. Such plans shall include operating and business components that:

1. Ensure consideration of transit vehicle and access system infrastructure in HOT lane environments and along adjacent highways;

2. Ensure transit vehicle service to adjacent activity centers, connect with other nearby transit services, have easy HOT lane access, and ensure attractive and cost-efficient pedestrian, bicycle, and motor vehicle access to the transit system;

3. Require HOT lane agreements to include dedicated operating support for public transportation;

4. Establish performance standards related to average corridor vehicle occupancy, mode-share, emissions, and other relevant measures;

5. Require the inclusion of performance standards in all HOT lane project agreements;

6. Mitigate failures to meet performance standards; and

7. Require full National Environmental Policy Act environmental review under the Public Private Transportation Act of 1995 (§ 56-556 et seq.).