Meetings To Explore Sta Bus Route Changes Consultant’s Proposals Could Be Sta’s First Changes In 16 Years

Concerned about public transportation in Spokane?

Then hop on a bus and come to any of a number of meetings this month to get answers about route changes proposed by Spokane Transit Authority.

STA hopes the proposed changes, recommended by a Portland consultant who was paid $125,000, will make service more convenient and increase bus ridership. They would be the first major change in routes in 16 years, STA officials say.

Many of the changes would put more buses on the busiest routes - those to colleges and shopping centers, for instance.

But some routes no longer would go into residential neighborhoods, so riders may have to walk farther to catch a bus that will take them to their destination faster.

STA officials say nothing will change anytime soon. And the proposal may evolve, depending on comments they hear at the 10 meetings, and from surveys, letters and telephone calls.

There will be no formal presentations at any of the meetings, said STA spokeswoman Teresa Stueckle. People can come and go as they please, and get information about individual routes.

The meetings are scheduled for the following locations, dates and times:

The Plaza, 701 W. Riverside

Today, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Sept. 12, 7-11 a.m. and 2-6 p.m.

Sept. 19, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Sept. 24, 7-11 a.m. and 3-6 p.m.

South Hill Library, 3324 S. Perry

Sept. 9, 6-9 p.m.

Shadle Park Library, 2111 W. Wellesley

Sept. 11, 6-9 p.m.

Cheney Library, 610 First Street

Sept. 16, 6-9 p.m.

Valley Library, 12004 E. Main

Sept. 23, 6-9 p.m.

, DataTimes