STA’s new mobility-on-demand pilot, STA Link, launched September 22, 2026, bringing service to the first of two pilot zones: Latah Valley and north Spokane Valley. Additional service areas are planned for future years.
STA Link is a flexible, on-demand transportation service designed to expand transit coverage in areas currently underserved by regular bus service due to geographic or infrastructure constraints. Rather than following a set schedule and route, STA Link riders can request trips in real time through a mobile app, website, or phone and are matched into shared rides of one to five passengers. STA Link will provide curbside pickup that connects riders to STA’s broader bus network as well as curb-to-curb travel within designated zones. Fares are expected to mirror STA’s standard bus fare.
“As part of STA’s 10-year strategic plan, Connect 2035, STA Link supports the plan’s goal of elevating the customer experience,” said STA CEO Karl Otterstrom. “For riders, STA Link means access to transit in neighborhoods that are not easily served by traditional bus routes, allowing more people to reach jobs, appointments, and activities by transit.”
On June 18, 2026, the STA Board of Directors awarded a contract to Direct Medical Transportation, Inc. to operate STA Link.