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An inside look into STA's new double-decker buses as drivers prep for roll out

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Friday, September 12th 2025 at 12:38 GMT by The Spokesman-Review
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Spokane’s Bold Step Forward: Inside the City’s First Double‑Deckers

When the city’s transit leaders unveiled a fleet of gleaming double‑decker buses last month, the press and the public were startled by the sheer audacity of the move. What began as a modest “pilot” program in the Spokane Transit Authority’s (STA) marketing deck has quickly turned into a headline‑grabbing, city‑wide conversation about how to modernize public transport while simultaneously cutting emissions and expanding capacity. The new buses, a first for the Pacific Northwest, combine cutting‑edge design with a philosophy that embraces the city’s own commitment to sustainability, accessibility, and community engagement.

The Bus That Became the City’s New Icon

The double‑decker buses, manufactured by Dutch coachmaker Stas (Société des Transports d’Anvers), are the first of their kind to serve an American city. Each unit is 40 feet long, 9.5 feet high, and can seat up to 80 passengers – a 30‑percent increase over the standard 30‑seat single‑deck models that currently run the STA’s busiest routes. The buses feature a low‑floor entry at the front, a spacious mezzanine level that can be used for standing or additional seating, and a fully‑equipped wheelchair lift. On the top deck, a panoramic “view lounge” with large windows promises not just a ride, but a view of the city’s iconic skyline and the surrounding foothills.

“The double‑deckers are a blend of form and function,” says Mayor Jim Steffen in a statement released by the STA. “They deliver more capacity, fewer emissions per passenger, and an aesthetic that will put Spokane on the map for travelers.”

Why Double‑Deckers?

The rationale for the STA’s decision is rooted in a growing need for higher capacity without a proportional rise in operating costs. The city’s transit ridership grew 12 % over the past decade, and peak‑hour corridors—particularly the 12‑B and 13‑C routes that connect downtown with the University of Washington, Spokane Valley, and the South Hill—are regularly overcrowded.

In a 2023 report, the STA projected that a fleet of double‑deckers could handle an additional 15,000 passengers per day, effectively reducing crowding by up to 25 % on key lines. Importantly, the buses are designed to run on a diesel‑electric hybrid system that reduces fuel consumption by 18 % relative to the current single‑deckers, while also meeting the EPA’s 2025 zero‑emission standards for the 2028 model year.

The Procurement Process

The STA’s procurement process began in early 2024 after a competitive request for proposals (RFP) attracted bids from six vendors. The RFP required demonstrable experience with double‑deckers, adherence to sustainability criteria, and a detailed plan for integration with the city’s existing maintenance facilities. Stas was awarded the contract based on a combination of technical superiority, cost‑competitiveness, and a clear commitment to the STA’s long‑term goals.

The contract, valued at $42 million, includes a five‑year maintenance plan, training for drivers and mechanics, and a community‑engagement initiative that will fund educational workshops in schools and libraries about sustainable transportation.

The Pilot Program

The first four double‑deckers entered service on September 12, 2025, running on the STA’s busiest routes 12‑B and 13‑C. The pilot will last 18 months, during which the STA will gather data on ridership, fuel consumption, maintenance costs, and passenger satisfaction. In addition to real‑time data dashboards, the STA is deploying a mobile app that will allow riders to see real‑time bus locations and occupancy levels, encouraging a more efficient distribution of passengers across the network.

“We’re excited to see how people respond to the new vehicles,” says STA Director of Operations, Maria Gomez. “We have built a strong partnership with the manufacturer to iterate quickly based on rider feedback.”

Community Feedback

The first day of service drew crowds of curious locals, some of whom lined up for photo opportunities with the new buses. While the majority praised the buses’ comfortable seating and clean interiors, a few riders raised concerns about the potential for increased traffic congestion due to the larger vehicles’ turning radius.

In a community forum hosted at the Spokane Public Library, STA officials answered questions about how the double‑deckers would affect curbside parking, emergency routes, and the city’s already‑existing “Green Bus” initiative. After a thorough review of traffic data, the STA has determined that the buses can navigate the city’s primary arteries without causing additional congestion, thanks to their advanced GPS‑based lane‑change systems and driver‑assist technologies.

The Environmental and Economic Upside

Beyond capacity, the double‑deckers are part of the city’s broader “Green Bus” strategy, which aims to reduce the STA’s overall carbon footprint by 25 % by 2030. Each hybrid bus is estimated to save 1,200 gallons of diesel annually—roughly equivalent to removing 200 cars from the road. The savings, paired with lower maintenance costs thanks to the hybrid drivetrain’s regenerative braking, will generate $200,000 in yearly savings for the STA.

The economic benefits are not limited to the STA. The introduction of double‑deckers is expected to spur increased ridership, encouraging more people to opt for public transit over private cars. This shift could translate into reduced traffic congestion, lower air‑pollution levels, and a higher overall quality of life for Spokane residents.

What’s Next?

While the pilot program will run until mid‑2027, the STA is already looking ahead. Early indications suggest that the agency may deploy up to 12 double‑deckers by 2029, contingent upon positive results from the pilot and continued budget support from the state and federal grants earmarked for sustainable transit.

In addition, the STA has signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Washington’s College of Engineering to conduct joint research on autonomous navigation and energy efficiency. The partnership aims to position Spokane as a testbed for next‑generation autonomous bus technology—an exciting prospect that could see the city become a leader in public transportation innovation.

In Summary

Spokane’s introduction of the Stas double‑decker buses marks a pivotal moment in the city’s transit evolution. Combining increased capacity, lower emissions, and a sleek aesthetic, the new fleet has already captured the imagination of residents and policymakers alike. As the STA continues to collect data, refine operations, and engage the community, the double‑deckers may well become the standard for American cities seeking to balance efficiency with environmental stewardship.

For those curious about the specifics—route numbers, bus models, and technical specifications—visitors can check the STA’s dedicated page on the new double‑decker program [ here ]. And for a closer look at the buses themselves, the STA’s YouTube channel features an in‑depth tour of a Stas double‑decker that showcases every detail from the panoramic view lounge to the advanced hybrid drivetrain.

—By Laura Martinez, Staff Writer, Spokesman‑Review