Successful growth management requires transportation planning. The Growth Management Act established the goal of encouraging an efficient multi-modal transportation system based on regional priorities and coordinated with comprehensive plans. The Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation documented that Washington has not achieved this goal. Indeed, the Commission makes a clear case that the state faces a transportation crisis. The region is faced with congestion, as are other areas of the state.
Many areas also face a serious backlog of transportation safety and maintenance work.
The Commission s recommendations would help reform the transportation system and address transportation needs. Multi-modal refers to all transportation modes, including walking, biking, carpools, vanpools and transit. The Growth Management Act included tools to help implement the transportation goal. Land use can have an important effect on transportation. Low-density suburban development with rigid separations between uses cannot support transit and requires those who live and work in these areas to drive to work, shopping, school and recreation.