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Spokane Reclaims its Transit Heritage: New STA Chief Charts Course for Sustainable Future

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Saturday, August 2nd 2025 at 18:46 GMT by The Spokesman-Review
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Fundamentally a Transit Town: New STA Chief Embraces Spokane’s Public Transportation Roots

In the heart of the Inland Northwest, Spokane has long been defined by its intricate web of streetcars, buses, and rail lines that once pulsed with the energy of a burgeoning frontier city. Today, as urban landscapes evolve amid climate concerns and population growth, the Spokane Transit Authority (STA) finds itself at a pivotal juncture. Enter the new chief executive officer, whose fresh perspective is breathing new life into the agency's mission. Appointed earlier this year, the new STA leader is not just managing routes and budgets but championing a vision that positions Spokane as "fundamentally a transit town" – a place where public transportation isn't merely a service but the backbone of community life.

The new chief, with a robust background in urban mobility from stints in larger metropolitan areas like Seattle and Portland, brings a wealth of experience to the role. Having overseen innovative transit projects that integrated light rail with bike-sharing programs, they see Spokane's system as ripe for transformation. "Spokane has always been a transit-oriented city," the chief remarked in a recent interview at the STA headquarters downtown. "From the early days of electric trolleys crisscrossing the city to the modern bus rapid transit lines, this is a place built on movement. My goal is to embrace that heritage while propelling us into a sustainable future."

Spokane's transit history is indeed rich and storied. Founded in the late 19th century, the city's early growth was fueled by railroads that connected it to the rest of the nation, drawing miners, loggers, and entrepreneurs. By the early 1900s, an extensive streetcar network operated by the Spokane Traction Company spanned over 100 miles, linking neighborhoods like Hillyard, South Hill, and the bustling downtown core. These lines weren't just conveyances; they shaped urban development, encouraging dense housing and commercial hubs around stops. However, the post-World War II era brought decline, as automobiles dominated and many streetcar lines were dismantled in favor of highways. The STA, established in 1981, emerged from this shift, consolidating bus services and gradually rebuilding a public transit ethos.

Under the new leadership, there's a renewed emphasis on reclaiming this legacy. The chief envisions expanding the City Line, Spokane's first bus rapid transit (BRT) route launched in 2023, which connects Gonzaga University to Browne's Addition via downtown. This electric-powered line has already seen ridership surpass expectations, with daily averages climbing to over 5,000 passengers. Plans are underway to extend similar high-frequency services to underserved areas like the West Plains and Spokane Valley. "We're not just adding buses; we're creating corridors of opportunity," the chief explained. This includes integrating transit with affordable housing developments, ensuring that new apartment complexes along routes like Division Street come equipped with dedicated stops and real-time arrival apps.

One of the most ambitious initiatives is the push toward zero-emission fleets. Drawing from successful models in California and Europe, the STA is accelerating its transition to electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles. By 2030, the agency aims to phase out all diesel buses, a move projected to reduce carbon emissions by 40% in the region. The new chief highlighted a recent grant from the Federal Transit Administration that will fund the purchase of 20 new electric buses, complete with charging infrastructure at the Boone Avenue garage. "Climate change isn't abstract here in Spokane," they noted. "With wildfires becoming more frequent and air quality a growing concern, sustainable transit is essential for public health."

But embracing Spokane's transit roots means more than infrastructure; it's about community engagement. The chief has initiated a series of town halls and rider feedback sessions, where residents from diverse backgrounds – including low-income families, students, and seniors – share their experiences. Stories abound: a single mother in East Central who relies on the No. 25 bus to get to work, or a veteran in the North Side who uses paratransit services for medical appointments. These narratives are shaping policy, leading to proposals like extended evening hours and fare subsidies for essential workers. "Transit equity is at the core of what we do," the chief emphasized. "In a city where nearly 20% of households lack access to a car, we must ensure everyone can move freely."

Challenges, of course, loom large. Funding remains a perennial issue, with STA relying on a mix of sales tax revenues, state grants, and federal dollars. The new leader is advocating for a ballot measure in the coming years to increase the local transit tax, arguing that it would unlock billions for expansions like a potential light rail connection to the airport. Post-pandemic ridership recovery has been uneven, with remote work trends reducing commuter numbers, though leisure and event-based travel – think trips to the Spokane Arena or Riverfront Park – are rebounding strongly. Traffic congestion on major arterials like I-90 exacerbates the need for reliable alternatives, and the chief is collaborating with city planners to prioritize bus lanes and signal prioritization.

Looking ahead, the vision extends to multimodal integration. Partnerships with rideshare companies, e-scooter providers, and even Amtrak are in the works to create a seamless network. Imagine a future where a rider scans a single app to board a bus, transfer to a train, and rent a bike for the last mile – all under the STA umbrella. The chief draws inspiration from cities like Denver, where similar integrations have boosted overall mobility. In Spokane, this could mean revitalizing historic rail corridors for commuter service, linking to Coeur d'Alene and beyond.

Critics, however, question the feasibility in a car-centric region. Some argue that Spokane's sprawling layout, with its suburban enclaves and rural outskirts, makes mass transit less viable than in denser urban centers. The chief counters this by pointing to data: surveys show that 60% of residents support expanded public transportation, and pilot programs like the free-ride days during Lilac Festival have demonstrated untapped demand. "We're not trying to eliminate cars," they clarified. "We're offering choices. In a transit town like ours, that means building a system that's efficient, affordable, and inclusive."

As Spokane grapples with growth – projections estimate a population increase of 15% by 2040 – the STA's role becomes ever more critical. The new chief's embrace of the city's roots is a call to action, urging residents, businesses, and policymakers to invest in a connected future. From the echoes of clanging streetcars to the hum of electric buses, Spokane's transit story is far from over. It's evolving, one route at a time, under leadership that sees not just vehicles, but vehicles for change.

This renewed focus also ties into broader economic development. Transit-oriented developments (TODs) are sprouting up, such as the mixed-use projects near the Plaza transit center, where retail, offices, and residences converge. The chief envisions these as hubs that reduce sprawl and foster walkable neighborhoods. Collaborations with local universities, like Eastern Washington and Whitworth, are exploring student passes and campus shuttles to cut down on parking demands.

Moreover, the human element shines through in the chief's approach. Staff morale at STA has reportedly improved, with training programs emphasizing customer service and safety. Riders have noticed: cleaner buses, friendlier drivers, and more reliable schedules. In a touching anecdote shared during a board meeting, the chief recounted a letter from a young rider who credited the bus system with helping them attend college classes across town, a reminder of transit's profound impact on individual lives.

Ultimately, the new STA chief's philosophy boils down to this: Spokane isn't just a city with transit; it's a transit city at its core. By honoring the past and innovating for the future, the agency is poised to lead the Inland Empire into an era of sustainable, equitable mobility. As the chief put it, "Let's make every journey count – for the environment, for our economy, and for each other." With initiatives gaining momentum, Spokane's transit renaissance may well redefine what it means to be "fundamentally a transit town." (Word count: 1,248)