SPOKANE, Wash. — You might soon be able to get around Spokane more easily.
The Spokane Transit Authority is in the final stages of a plan that hopes to make taking public transportation more accessible and address Spokane’s growing needs.
STA’s Connect 2035, a ten-year strategic plan, aims to do that by enhancing public transit options for the community.
“It is my only mode of transportation so it is pretty vital to me,” said Dawn Mosher, a Spokane resident.
STA said its ridership has nearly doubled since 2021. It estimates to exceed 10 million bus rides this year.
“Having everyone connected means there are options for people that is not just a car,” said Karl Otterstrom, the chief planning and developing officer for STA. “Giving people the freedom to choose how to get around without a car brings more connectivity to more people.”
The plan includes over 20 new projects, such as real-time bus arrival information, collaborating with community partners, and new bus lines. You can find more information about the proposed initiatives here.
“Having the ability to get around the region without a car… mean that transit is going to be even more important to the growth of our community,” Otterstrom said.
However, the $85 million cost of the plan is at risk due to Initiative 2117, which would repeal funding from the Climate Commitment Act that currently funds grants used by STA.
“If it goes down, there would be fewer projects that could be implemented in a timely fashion and reduce how much of that plan we can actually realize,” Otterstrom said.
For many like Mosher, public transit is essential for daily tasks. STA hopes that can become a reality for more who need it in the community.
“If I didn’t have access to the bus, I’d be screwed,” Mosher said.
The final plan will be presented on November 6.
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