Goals
The Goals Driving Connect 2035
Over the next decade, Spokane Transit will pursue three ambitious goals to create a more accessible, reliable, and connected transportation network. Explore the projects and core investments that will bring this vision to life.
Elevate the Customer
Experience
Lead and Collaborate with
Community Partners
Strengthen Our
Organizational Capacity
Advance all three strategic
goals and guide our next decade
In-Progress
Estimated Completion: 2028
Updating Bus Routes
STA is responding to changing travel patterns by adding more night and weekend service, updating Spokane Valley routes to meet growth, and adjusting routes to better connect riders with jobs and key destinations.
BENEFITS:
Improves convenience and access while directly reflecting rider priorities — 63% of surveyed riders identified updating routes as the top customer experience investment.
TIMELINE:
Ongoing: Service adjustments guided by rider input and travel demand
Future: Expanded service on key routes and improved Spokane Valley connections
Elevate the Customer
Experience
In-Progress
Estimated Completion: 2028
Updating Bus Routes
STA is responding to changing travel patterns by adding more night and weekend service, updating Spokane Valley routes to meet growth, and adjusting routes to better connect riders with jobs and key destinations.
BENEFITS:
Improves convenience and access while directly reflecting rider priorities — 63% of surveyed riders identified updating routes as the top customer experience investment.
TIMELINE:
Ongoing: Service adjustments guided by rider input and travel demand
Future: Expanded service on key routes and improved Spokane Valley connections
Planning Phase
Estimated Completion: 2031
Bus Stop Improvements
STA will invest in improving safety and comfort for riders by adding 100 new bus shelters across the system, increasing the number of shelters by 50%, and installing lighting at every bus stop with a shelter where feasible.
BENEFITS:
Provides a more protected location for riders to wait out of the elements for their bus.
TIMELINE:
2026: Begin improvement program
2026-31: Install lighting where feasible at all sheltered stops; install shelters at all stops with more than 25 daily boardings
Planning Phase
Estimated Completion: 2030
Upgrade Route 33 Wellesley to a High Performance Transit Line
This project will enhance Route 33 Wellesley, a key crosstown route connecting Spokane Falls Community College to Spokane Community College through diverse neighborhoods, by upgrading stations and adding amenities to improve safety and comfort.
BENEFITS:
Enhances rider experience with improved station facilities, increased safety, and more comfortable transit options along a high-frequency route.
TIMELINE:
2026-30: Upgrade infrastructure
Planning Phase
Estimated Completion: 2035
Planning and Designing the Next Round of High Performance Transit Lines
This initiative involves planning and designing three new High Performance Transit (HPT) lines:
- Route 61 Highway 2/Fairchild
- Extending Route 9 Sprague to Liberty Lake
- Extending Division Street BRT from Hastings Park and Ride to Mead — based on rider feedback ridership data, and regional travel patterns.
BENEFITS:
Increases frequency and connectivity of transit services, making the system more convenient and accessible for riders across key regional corridors.
TIMELINE:
2031: Deliver report and initial HPT design concepts for Route 61
2032: Deliver report and initial HPT design concepts for Route 9 Sprague to Appleway Station
2035: Deliver report and initial HPT design concepts for Division BRT extension
In-Progress
Estimated Completion: 2028
Transit Ambassadors
STA is piloting a new transit ambassador program to help foster a safe, welcoming environment for all our customers. This is modeled on Ambassador Programs at other transit agencies.
BENEFITS:
Increases rider comfort on STA routes, while putting more eyes onto the system while encouraging safe transportation use.
TIMELINE:
Fall 2025: First transit ambassadors started riding the buses
Ongoing: Additional ambassador classes will be hired and trained
In-Progress
Estimated Completion: 2025
Streamlining Paratransit Booking
STA will develop a new online platform to allow Paratransit users, who rely on over 1,000 daily trips for people with disabilities, to schedule rides conveniently without needing to call in.
BENEFITS:
Enhances accessibility and convenience for Paratransit users by simplifying the booking process through a user-friendly online system.
TIMELINE:
2025: Delivery
Planning Phase
Estimated Completion: 2032
New Mobility-On-Demand Services Pilot
STA will pilot Mobility-on-Demand services using multi-passenger vehicles in North Spokane Valley, Latah Valley, Liberty Lake, unincorporated West Plains, and Northeast Spokane to expand transit coverage and connect workers to jobs.
BENEFITS:
Enhances transit access in fast-growing areas, improving connectivity and gathering data on cost-effectiveness and customer response to innovative service models.
TIMELINE:
2027-29: North Spokane Valley pilot, Latah Valley pilot
2028-30: Liberty Lake pilot
2029-31: Unincorporated portions of West Plains pilot
2030-32: Northeast Spokane pilot
Lead and Collaborate with
Community Partners
In-Progress
Estimated Completion: 2027
Low-Income Fare Pilot Program
To further STA’s vision of Connecting Everyone to Opportunity, STA will pilot a reduced fare program for riders experiencing low incomes. Named the ‘Opportunity Fare’, this program is designed for residents whose income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
BENEFITS:
Helps ensure that public transportation remains accessible by providing discounted fares (50%) on One Ride, Daily, and Monthly fare capping for eligible riders.
TIMELINE:
July 2025: STA Board of Directors approval of new fare category
December 2025: Initial roll out of low-income fare pilot program
2025-27: Pilot implementation
Planning Phase
Estimated Completion: 2027
Empower New Riders to Use the Bus
In partnership with community-based organizations (CBOs) like Special Mobility Services, STA will expand travel training programs to provide one-on-one assistance, helping new riders, particularly from disadvantaged communities, learn to navigate the bus system independently.
BENEFITS:
Increases rider confidence and accessibility by equipping new riders with the skills to use transit effectively, fostering inclusive mobility.
TIMELINE:
2026-27: Implementation
Planning Phase
Estimated Completion: 2032
Encourage More Housing and Employment Near STA’s Transit Services
STA will collaborate with municipal partners to fund planning for transit-oriented development (TOD), promoting housing and employment growth near transit corridors to support regional development.
BENEFITS:
Enhances regional sustainability by increasing transit ridership, reducing congestion, and lowering family costs through strategic TOD planning.
TIMELINE:
2027-32: Fund station area TOD planning efforts in partnership with municipalities
Planning Phase
Estimated Completion: 2031
Electric Vehicle Charging
STA will partner with Avista and the Spokane Regional Transportation Council to leverage state and federal programs, expanding public electric vehicle charging access at park-and-rides and other facilities to support growing regional demand.
BENEFITS:
Enhances sustainable transportation options by providing convenient EV charging infrastructure, encouraging adoption and reducing emissions.
TIMELINE:
2029-31: Work with partners to expand access to public electric vehicle charging at STA facilities
Planning Phase
Estimated Completion: 2029
Enhance Transit Information Accessibility
STA will collaborate with community partners to promote existing transit information in non-English languages and assess the need for additional multilingual rider resources and signage to serve Spokane County’s diverse households.
BENEFITS:
Improves inclusivity and access to transit services for non-English-speaking riders, ensuring equitable access to information.
TIMELINE:
2027-28: Implementation
2027-29: Identify locations for installation of signage (and other rider resources) in languages other than English
Planning Phase
Estimated Completion: 2028
Expand Partnerships with Employers
STA will partner with Commute Smart Northwest to enhance outreach and education, expanding the Employer Sponsored Bus Pass Program to offer more employers discounted Connect fares and passes as regional job growth continues.
BENEFITS:
Increases transit ridership and affordability by strengthening employer partnerships, encouraging sustainable commuting options for workers.
TIMELINE:
2027-28: Implementation
Planning Phase
Estimated Completion: 2029
Attract More Visitors to Use the Bus
STA will partner with Visit Spokane, hotels, and event organizers to enhance transit information for tourists and introduce programs, such as integrating transit fares into event tickets, to encourage visitor ridership.
BENEFITS:
Boosts regional tourism and economic growth by making transit more accessible and appealing to Spokane County’s 9.8 million annual visitors.
TIMELINE:
2027-29: Work with event organizers to integrate transit fare into event tickets
2028-29: Work with Visit Spokane, hotels, and event organizers to develop partnerships and enhance information for visitors
In-Progress
Estimated Completion: 2027
Increase Engagement with Underrepresented Communities
STA will establish a community-based organization (CBO) Network to foster partnership and enhance engagement with underrepresented communities, building on relationships developed through the Connect 2035 process.
BENEFITS:
Strengthens inclusivity by amplifying underrepresented voices, ensuring transit planning reflects diverse community needs.
TIMELINE:
2025-27: Implementation
Strengthen Our
Organizational Capacity
In-Progress
Estimated Completion: 2026
Improve Real-Time Information
STA will upgrade backend technology systems to enhance the reliability and accuracy of real-time bus arrival information, meeting riders’ expectations for dependable transit updates.
BENEFITS:
Strengthens STA’s operational capacity by improving technological infrastructure, ensuring more reliable information delivery to riders.
TIMELINE:
2025-26: Upgrade Computer Aided Dispatch / Automatic Vehicle Location systems to enable more accurate real-time information
In-Progress
Estimated Completion: 2028
Invest in Bus Operators
Looking forward, STA is committed to investing in our operators and improving the day-to-day experience by upgrading break rooms and amenities, delivering more high-quality restrooms along routes, and developing new operator support systems.
BENEFITS:
Improves day-to-day experience of operators.
TIMELINE:
Fall 2025: Constructed Whitworth Comfort Station
2025-26: Upgrade Computer Aided Dispatch / Automatic Vehicle Location systems to enable more accurate real-time information
2026-28: Upgrade break rooms and amenities, expand access to high-quality restrooms along routes, and develop new
operator support systems
Planning Phase
Estimated Completion: 2027
Streamline Customer Interactions and Service Delivery
STA will invest in new technology solutions to enhance customer service operations, enabling teams to efficiently track, respond to, and resolve rider inquiries while improving internal collaboration.
BENEFITS:
Strengthens STA’s capacity to deliver faster, smoother customer service, enhancing rider satisfaction and operational efficiency.
TIMELINE:
2027: Delivery
In-Progress
Estimated Completion: 2027
Vehicle Enhancements
STA will expand investments in vehicle data collection to monitor driver behavior and vehicle condition across the entire fleet, enhancing safety, preventative maintenance, and operator training.
BENEFITS:
Strengthens STA’s operational capacity by improving vehicle safety and maintenance efficiency, ensuring a safer transit experience.
TIMELINE:
2025-27: Implement telematics in all STA fleet vehicles to increase safety, efficiency, and opportunities for expanded operator training
In-Progress
Estimated Completion: 2026
Increase Transparency and Access to Data
STA will develop user-friendly public dashboards for key performance indicators and improve access to transit data as part of the Connect 2035 initiative to enhance community trust.
BENEFITS:
Strengthens STA’s capacity by fostering transparency and public engagement through accessible, data-driven insights.
TIMELINE:
2026: Delivery
In-Progress
Estimated Completion: 2028
Build STA's Team
STA will establish an organizational development program to formalize training, leadership development, and enhance employee engagement and internal communications to build a diverse and empowered workforce.
BENEFITS:
Strengthens STA’s capacity by fostering a skilled, inclusive, and engaged team, improving service delivery and organizational pride.
TIMELINE:
2025-27: Enhance internal employee engagement and communications efforts to retain STA talent
2026-29: Make targeted investments in staffing to expand competencies in support of strategic internal and external initiatives
2028: Establish an organizational development program
In-Progress
Estimated Completion: 2028
Division Street BRT
Division Street Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a transit improvement project that will expand existing bus service between downtown Spokane and north Spokane and Spokane County.
BENEFITS:
The project delivers high-quality, fast, and frequent bus service to support a revitalized and vibrant Division Street corridor while reducing congestion, increasing access, and providing faster travel.
TIMELINE:
2019: DivisionConnects study completed in partnership with local and state agencies
Summer 2025: Submitted Small Starts grant package for federal rating for project
2030: Division BRT currently planned to begin revenue service
Planning Phase
Estimated Completion: 2032
Operations Base
STA is continuing its work to create a healthier region and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by building a new clean energy campus to store and charge our vehicles. The campus will feature energy-efficient facilities that reduce carbon impact, improve operational efficiency, and showcase STA’s commitment to sustainability.
BENEFITS:
Advances STA’s leadership in environmental responsibility, reduces operating and maintenance costs, and ensures long-term financial sustainability.
TIMELINE:
2027-28: Develop additional charging infrastructure
2027: Build out Plaza public space
2029: Open training facility
2032: Operations Base #1
Planning Phase
Estimated Completion: 2045
Zero Emission Buses
STA currently operates 36 battery-electric buses and is working toward a 100% zero-emission fleet by 2045, supported primarily through grant funding.
BENEFITS:
Advances STA’s leadership in environmental responsibility and supports state requirements for a zero-emission transit fleet.
TIMELINE:
2027-28: Develop additional charging infrastructure
2029-35: Resume purchase of Fixed-Route EVs
2045: STA will achieve a 100% zero-emission fleet