Spokane Transit Authority launches half-price bus fare program for low-income riders

SPOKANE, Wash. — The Spokane Transit Authority approved a pilot program to reduce bus fares for qualified riders. It hopes the program will boost ridership overall and give more people access to public transit.

“I think as many people as you can let them know, it’ll be helpful because it’ll increase the riders. Plus it’ll help on pollution if we get more people catching the bus,” said David Anderson, a bus rider.

Phase one of the program will give half-price bus fares to people already enrolled in Spokane Housing Authority housing aid programs. Phase two will give that same discount to those enrolled in SNAP, or the state’s Basic Food Assistance Program.

People who qualify for the reduced fare will only have to pay $1 instead of $2.

“Yes, I certainly would,” said Judith Anne-Davis, a bus rider, when asked about participating in the program.

“I think that it will help a great deal, especially for older folks on assistance with getting to and from the grocery store, to and from food banks and maybe to doctors’ appointments and anything else they like to do,” said Joelena Ford, a bus rider.

Ford also praised the local transit system, saying, “Especially young moms with strollers or older folks, they’re very fortunate to have a good bus system and to be able to afford it is really nice too.”

STA already has other reduced fare programs, including a discount for seniors. Many bus riders are already benefiting from those programs.

“It’s helped me a lot because I don’t drive, I don’t have a car. The only way I get around the city is by using the transit. Having it at a discount price is a tremendous help to me,” said Anderson.

“We’re very fortunate here in Spokane. I’ve been in other cities where the bus system isn’t so great. We’re really fortunate here and I really do appreciate the STA for all their planning and projects,” Ford said.

Phase one is expected to start this fall, with phase two starting the following spring.