Spokane Transit Authority CEO Unveils Vision for 'Transit Town'

Fundamentally a Transit Town: New STA Chief Embraces Role as CEO of Spokane Transit Authority

In the heart of the Inland Northwest, Spokane is poised for a transportation renaissance, and at the helm of this transformation is the newly appointed CEO of the Spokane Transit Authority (STA), Dr. Elena Vasquez. Appointed in early July 2025, Vasquez brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles in urban planning and sustainable mobility initiatives across major U.S. cities. Her arrival marks a pivotal moment for STA, an agency that has long been the backbone of public transit in Spokane County, serving over 12 million riders annually and operating a fleet of buses, paratransit services, and the innovative City Line bus rapid transit system.

Vasquez, who hails from Seattle where she spearheaded the expansion of King County Metro's zero-emission fleet, views Spokane not merely as a city with transit options but as "fundamentally a transit town." In an exclusive interview, she elaborated on this philosophy, emphasizing how Spokane's geography, with its sprawling neighborhoods connected by the Spokane River and key arterial roads, naturally lends itself to efficient public transportation. "Spokane has all the ingredients for a world-class transit system," Vasquez said. "We have a committed ridership, a growing population, and a community that values sustainability. My goal is to amplify that by making transit the first choice, not the last resort."

The new CEO's vision is rooted in addressing the evolving needs of Spokane's diverse population. With the city's population surpassing 230,000 and the metropolitan area approaching half a million, STA faces pressures from urban sprawl, climate change, and post-pandemic shifts in commuting patterns. Vasquez highlighted the success of the City Line, launched in 2023, which connects downtown Spokane to Gonzaga University and beyond with high-frequency, all-electric buses. She plans to build on this by advocating for expansions, including potential extensions to the Spokane International Airport and underserved areas in the Spokane Valley.

One of Vasquez's immediate priorities is sustainability. STA has already made strides toward electrification, with a goal of converting 40% of its fleet to electric by 2030. Under her leadership, she aims to accelerate this timeline, drawing on federal funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. "Climate action isn't optional," she asserted. "By transitioning to green transit, we're not only reducing emissions but also creating jobs in maintenance, technology, and operations right here in Spokane." This aligns with broader regional efforts, such as integrating STA services with Amtrak and Greyhound for seamless intercity travel, positioning Spokane as a hub in the Pacific Northwest's transportation network.

Vasquez also addressed equity in transit, a core tenet of her approach. Spokane's transit system serves a wide array of users, from students at Eastern Washington University to workers in the medical district around Sacred Heart Hospital. However, disparities persist, particularly in low-income neighborhoods and rural outskirts where access to reliable service is limited. To tackle this, Vasquez proposes targeted investments in paratransit enhancements and micro-mobility options like bike-sharing integrations at bus stops. "Transit equity means ensuring that every resident, regardless of income or ability, can get where they need to go safely and affordably," she explained. This includes fare restructuring to make rides more accessible, potentially introducing income-based subsidies or free passes for youth and seniors.

Challenges abound, of course. STA's budget, reliant on sales tax revenues and grants, has been strained by inflation and fluctuating ridership post-COVID. Vasquez acknowledged the need for innovative funding, such as public-private partnerships with local businesses like Avista Corporation for charging infrastructure. She also touched on workforce issues, noting STA's efforts to recruit and retain drivers amid a national shortage. "Our operators are the heart of this system," she said. "Investing in their training and well-being is non-negotiable."

Looking ahead, Vasquez envisions a "connected Spokane" where transit integrates with emerging technologies. This could involve app-based real-time tracking, AI-optimized routes to reduce wait times, and even pilot programs for autonomous shuttles in high-density areas like the University District. She drew inspiration from successful models in cities like Denver and Portland, adapting them to Spokane's unique scale. "We're not trying to be Seattle or San Francisco," Vasquez noted. "Spokane has its own identity – a blend of urban vitality and outdoor accessibility. Transit should enhance that, making it easier to hop on a bus to Riverfront Park or commute to work without the hassle of traffic."

Community engagement is another pillar of her strategy. Vasquez plans to launch a series of town halls and online forums to gather input from riders, non-riders, and stakeholders. This participatory approach echoes her tenure in Seattle, where similar initiatives led to rider-approved service improvements. In Spokane, she's already met with local leaders, including Mayor Lisa Brown and county commissioners, to align STA's goals with the city's comprehensive plan, which emphasizes walkable neighborhoods and reduced car dependency.

Historically, STA has evolved from its roots in the 1980s as a municipal transit system into a regional authority managing over 1,500 square miles. Vasquez pays homage to her predecessors, crediting them for milestones like the Plaza transit center's redevelopment and the introduction of compressed natural gas buses in the 2000s. Yet, she sees untapped potential. "Spokane is on the cusp of growth, with tech firms and healthcare expanding," she said. "Transit must keep pace to support economic vitality and quality of life."

Critics might argue that Spokane's car-centric culture poses a barrier, but Vasquez counters with optimism. "Cultural shifts happen when systems are reliable and user-friendly," she said. Data from STA shows ridership rebounding to pre-pandemic levels, with a 15% increase in 2024 alone, fueled by hybrid work models and rising gas prices. By enhancing frequency on popular routes like the Division Street corridor and exploring light rail feasibility studies, Vasquez aims to capture even more mode share from private vehicles.

In essence, Vasquez's embrace of her role signals a bold era for STA. Her leadership style – collaborative, data-driven, and forward-thinking – positions Spokane to redefine itself as a transit-oriented community. As she settles into her office overlooking the Spokane River, Vasquez's message is clear: "This isn't just about buses; it's about building a more connected, sustainable, and equitable future for everyone in Spokane County." With initiatives set to roll out in the coming months, including a comprehensive strategic plan update by fall 2025, the city watches eagerly as its transit town identity takes shape. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full The Spokesman-Review Article at:
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2025/jul/22/fundamentally-a-transit-town-new-sta-chief-embrace/