With broader membership than Auburn’s present Transportation, Transit and Trails Committee, it will represent the interests of more key elements of the community.

An ultimately provide to the mayor, the City Council and staff diverse views and opinions on transportation issues.

On Tuesday, by unanimous vote, the City Council created the Transportation Advisory Board, or (TAB).

Kevin Snyder, director of the City’s Department of Community Development and Public Works, said earlier this month that the hope is to have the new board in place as soon as possible so it can provide input on the comprehensive Transportation Plan Update, the 6-year Transportation Improvement Program, and ongoing funding discussions related to the Transportation Benefit District.

To vote on the issue, the City Council had to suspend rules that ordinarily call for a second reading of pending legislation.

Roger Thordarson, chair of the TT&T Committee, and members of his committee went over the proposal with City officials on Feb. 4.

Having agreed that such a board would provide greater opportunity for people in the community — residents and business owners alike — to get involved in transportation issues and provide that valuable input and feedback, the TT&T committee threw its support behind the idea.

Membership on the 15-member TAB will be made up of three citizens at large and two local business representatives, in addition to one representative of each of the following entities: the Auburn School District; Green River Community College; the Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce; the Auburn Downtown Association; the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe; Auburn area high school students; transit users; the bicycling community; senior citizens; and an advocate to represent accessibility issues related to the Americans With Disabilities Act.