Bus Service Will Link Spokane, Newport

Wed., July 21, 1999

By John Craig johnc@spokesman.com

A new state-subsidized bus service between Spokane and Newport will make its inaugural run Monday.

Although the service will be provided by a nonprofit organization that specializes in Medicaid van transportation, anyone may ride. The fare will be $3 each way.

Dan Schwanz, region manager for Special Mobility Services, said his Portland-based organization has received $55,704 in state motor vehicle excise tax funds to provide the service for two years.

But, Schwanz said, “If Initiative 695 passes, it will go away at whatever point the funding dries up.”

The initiative on the Nov. 2 ballot seeks to cut Washington’s vehicle registration fee from 2.2 percent of a vehicle’s value to $30 a year. It also would require a public vote on any state or local tax or fee increase.

For a while at least, people may get door-to-door van rides between Newport and Spokane by calling 534-7171 in Spokane or a toll-free number, 1-877-264-7433, to make an appointment. The vans can hold 14 passengers, including two in wheelchairs.

Children younger than 6 must be accompanied by an adult, Schwanz said.

BUS SERVICE SCHEDULE Tentatively, there will be two 75-minute round trips on Mondays and Wednesdays. Vans are to leave Spokane at 6:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Newport departure times are 8:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m.

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