(1) The purpose of this rule is to provide detailed procedures for public participation and hearings in certain situations involving the location and design of a mass rapid transit system. A hearing on the location of the route of the proposed system is called a "corridor public hearing." A hearing on the major design features of the proposed system is called a "design public hearing."

(2) Another purpose of this rule is to coordinate public hearings under RCW 35.58.273 with other hearings that the municipality may hold during its planning process. RCW 35.58.273 was enacted prior to SEPA and NEPA. The municipality's public hearings under these laws, for example, can fulfill the requirements of RCW 35.58.273.