SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane Transit Authority will begin testing its double-decker bus fleet Tuesday as the agency prepares to return the vehicles to passenger service following a January accident.
The buses will operate along Routes 6 and 66 between Spokane and Cheney during testing, but passengers will not be allowed on board. STA expects the fleet to return to full service by the end of February.
STA pulled its double-decker fleet from service after a Jan. 18 accident in which a bus struck a railroad viaduct on Cedar Street between First and Second avenues while operating off its designated route.
“We are in the final stages of being able to return the double deckers to service,” said STA CEO Karl Otterstrom. “We have heard from many in the community they are enthusiastic to have them back on the road, and once we test these new safety measures, we will be excited to welcome our passengers on board.”
The enhanced safety protocols include additional operator training focused on vehicle characteristics, height awareness and route requirements. STA has temporarily disabled navigation software for the double-decker fleet, requiring operators to rely on their route knowledge.
Operators will make safety stops before proceeding under railroad viaducts and provide verbal confirmation with dispatch when departing STA Plaza or entering downtown Spokane.
The investigation into the January accident continues under STA’s Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan. Results will be shared with the public when the investigation concludes.
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