Casino shuttles are on a roll
No-cost service from Spokane to Worley has seen ridership increase as gas prices rise
Instead of driving, Spokane resident Mike Robideau figures he can stash the cash won gambling four days a week at the Coeur d’Alene Casino in Worley by riding a free casino shuttle the 60 miles round-trip.
He’s not alone.
The free, air-conditioned shuttles traveling back and forth between the casino and Spokane are nearly full seven days a week with gamblers looking to save their winnings instead of spending them on fuel, officials said.
“It would cost me nearly five bucks to drive there and back,” said Robideau. The 64-year-old saves at least that much by riding the shuttle, as long as he “isn’t losing,” he said.
But he might want to estimate a little higher.
Gas prices in Spokane and Coeur d’Alene hover at $4 a gallon for regular fuel and nearly $5 for diesel, according to figures from AAA.
“We’ve seen a marked increase in our free shuttles since we beefed up routes because of gas prices,” said Bob Bostwick, casino spokesman.
Officials with the Northern Quest Casino in Airway Heights said complimentary shuttles are more full than usual. But the total number of riders may provide a skewed picture because it includes employees and patrons riding shuttles between far-off parking lots while the casino’s new parking garage is under construction, said Jennifer Simmons, spokeswoman.
Idaho residents, especially employees, are also taking advantage of the shuttles, as well as Citylink, a free public transportation project shared by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and Kootenai County. Service connects residents with 23 stops in the western parts of Kootenai and Benewah counties. Ridership has more than doubled in the past year, officials said.
But the buses don’t connect Spokane to the casino, an issue being looked at by officials in both areas. Spokane residents instead rely on the complimentary shuttles.
Randall Alexander, a Spokane resident who works in the deli at the casino, waited Tuesday for a nearly full bus to arrive at the Super One foods parking lot on 29th Avenue.
“I ride it because it’s the only way to get to work,” he said.