Spokane Transit Launches Region’s First BRT

THE SPOKANE TRANSIT AUTHORITY (STA), SPOKANE, WA, has launched its City Line, the first BRT service in the Spokane region.

Gonzaga University hosted a recent ribbon-cutting event for the launch at the Cincinnati & Desmet City Line station across from the Hemmingson Center. Gonzaga President Thayne McCulloh welcomed guest speakers WA Gov. Jay Inslee; Veronica Vanterpool, deputy administrator, FTA; Spokane Mayor Nadine Woodward; State Senator Andy Billig; STA Board members Spokane City Council Member Lori Kinnear and Spokane County Commissioner Al French; and STA CEO E. Susan Meyer.

“The launch of City Line represents a significant step forward in our commitment to providing high-performance transit and sustainable transit options to the Spokane region,” said Meyer. “We are excited to celebrate this achievement and look forward to the benefits it will bring to our residents, businesses and visitors.”

The six-mile line is a high-frequency, 15-minute service operating 17 hours a day, six days a week between Browne’s Addition and Spokane Community College by way of downtown Spokane and the University District, including Gonzaga University. State-of-the-art digital displays, real-time information and off-board fare payment systems will help reduce travel times and improve passenger comfort.

City Line’s 33 stations feature near-level platforms, seating and leaning benches, roofing and wind shields, security cameras and pedestrian lighting. Select transit signal priority intersections and other roadway improvements enhance service and speed. The City Line connects to existing bus routes.

The route is serviced by an 11-vehicle fleet of Xcelsior CHARGE 60-foot, five-door, articulated buses from New Flyer, each of which can carry up to 90 passengers with seating for 37 people.

Since its inception, City Line has been a community and downtown vision for transportation convenience, economic development and environmental benefit. In 2016, after a public outreach and education endeavor, voters approved funding the region’s 10-year plan, STA Moving Forward, for more and better transit, including funding to pave the way for the City Line. City Line’s total capital budget is $92.23 million,