SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane Transit Authority plans to return its double-decker bus fleet to service with enhanced safety measures following a Jan. 18 accident where a bus struck a railroad viaduct on Cedar Street.
The bus was operating off-route when it hit the viaduct between First and Second avenues. STA removed the entire double-decker fleet from service while conducting the investigation, which focuses on operator training and potential navigation software issues.
STA confirmed the operator was trained and authorized to operate double-decker buses. The agency is coordinating with the navigation software vendor to determine the scope of any software-related issues.
“Safety remains our first and foremost priority and guides everything we do at Spokane Transit,” said STA CEO Karl Otterstrom.
Before returning the buses to service, STA will implement several safety measures: operators will complete additional training on vehicle characteristics and height awareness; navigation software will be disabled with operators relying on route knowledge; drivers will make mandatory safety stops before proceeding under railroad viaducts; and operators will provide verbal confirmation with dispatch when entering downtown Spokane.
A date to reintroduce the buses will be announced once the new safety measures are in place.
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