New route just what the doctor ordered
Call it the boo-boo bus.
In September, Spokane Transit will launch a medical shuttle to south Spokane’s hospitals and clinics.
The goal is to more conveniently and quickly transport patients and staff from the downtown STA Plaza along a route stretching from Shriners Hospital on the west to Cancer Care Northwest on the east and then back again.
Downtown workers on their way to doctor’s appointments, patients who need to travel between facilities, and medical staff will benefit from the new program.
“I think it will be of value, especially to our patients who have multiple appointments along the medical corridor,” says Christine Eriksen, spokeswoman for Rockwood Clinic.
Shuttles will run every 20 minutes and cost 50 cents, although STA bus pass holders and those who buy the City Ticket Arena parking and shuttle pass can ride free.
The $356,000 program cost is being paid for with a state grant.
That grant expires at the end of June 2005, but STA plans to continue operating the shuttle through at least the end of 2005.
More grant money may be available, said STA spokeswoman Molly Myers.
STA predicts about 300 riders per day.
The shuttle will start on Sept. 20 and run from 6 a.m.- 6:20 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Centennial sentinels
Police are going to be out this week patrolling along Upriver Drive near the Centennial Trail.
They will be after speeders who endanger bikers and pedestrians.
Spokane Police: hundreds of trail users thank you.
Show your stripes
Always wanted to let everyone know you’re a former Marine or sailor?
The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs is working to launch new specialized license plates displaying the emblems of the different branches of military service.
They need signatures to do it.
If you’re interested in helping, call (800) 562-0132.
Get your license back
Spokane County is reminding drivers with suspended licenses that it has a program to help them.
The Community Relicensing Project helps drivers whose licenses were suspended for unpaid fines.
Drivers must pay all child support and other financial obligations and resolve all warrants to be eligible.
For more information, call 835-5936.
Cruising for a bruising
Here’s a question from a Getting There reader who frequently drives to Seattle.
If people have cruise control on their vehicles, why don’t they use it on long-haul trips?
It can drive a person bonkers to keep passing and being passed by a car that ranges in speed from 55 mph to 75 mph on a 65 mph road.
Pick a speed already.
Slow going
Highway 2 will be patched between Hawthorne and Center roads today through Thursday. The Washington State Department of Transportation warns motorists they may face lane restrictions.
Intersection painting along Pines Road from Sprague to Trent in Spokane Valley today through Thursday could also slow folks down.
Spokane County will be repairing Cheney-Spangle Road between Bradshaw and Curtis roads today and Tuesday. They will move on to Hangman Valley Road from Hatch Road south on Wednesday and Thursday. And on Friday, repair work will be at Hidden Hollow Drive from Highway 27 to the road’s eastern end.