Spokane Transit Media Releases
Contact
For questions about any media release, please contact Molly Myers at 325-6090 or Chris Tohm at 325-6009.
Please select from the list below to view the complete media release.
August 8, 2008: Spokane Transit Ridership Continues to Climb
July 8, 2008: STA Board Member Receives National Recognition
May 29, 2008: STA to feature art, dance and music at the Plaza
November 15, 2007: Spokane Transit Ridership Continues to Increase
July 10, 2007: Spokane Transit Reduces Emissions
April 26, 2007: STA Expands Bloomsday Express Shuttle Times
November 9, 2006: STA Puts 19 New Buses Into Service
November 7, 2006: Big Changes Are Happening at Spokane Transit
September 21, 2006: Spokane Transit Ridership Continues to Climb
July 20, 2006: Spokane Transit’s Board Approves Revised Tariff Policy, New fareboxes
June 30, 2006: Spokane Transit’s Hoopfest Ridership Soars
June 20, 2006: Spokane Transit Offers Hoopfest Service
June 19, 2006: Spokane Transit Ridership on the Rise
August 8 , 2008 | top
SPOKANE TRANSIT RIDERSHIP CONTINUES TO CLIMB
Bus ridership grew 18 percent in the first seven months of 2008. This follows a record growth of more than 21 percent from 2006 through 2007. In July, STA recorded a 30 percent ridership increase compared to July, 2007, which represents the largest increase in one calendar month in the history of the organization. Based on that data, the organization expects to give 10 million rides by the end of the year.
The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) reported a modest two percent average increase in bus ridership nationwide for the first quarter of 2008, but second quarter data won’t be available until this fall.
“Spokane residents are turning to transit for relief from gas prices in greater numbers than the average American city,” said Susan Meyer, STA CEO. “While the cost of commuting has motivated people to try transit, many continue to ride because of the convenience.”
The increased ridership creates a new set of challenges for STA. One of the most significant is the lack of parking at Park & Ride lots around the region.
“The lots are full and so are the surrounding streets. STA is aggressively seeking additional parking in Liberty Lake and the 5-Mile and Hastings areas on the north side,” Meyer said.
The organization’s Vanpool program is also at capacity. All 87 vehicles are in service with area employers and there is a waiting list. The agency is checking the availability of more vans, which must be purchased through Washington State’s contract.
“We’re trying to be creative about how to accommodate the surge in ridership. It’s the kind of challenge we’re happy to address,” Meyer said.
STA provides public transportation services through fixed route (bus) operations, paratransit operations and vanpool. The agency employs more than 500 people and is overseen by a nine-member board comprised of elected officials from Spokane County and cities in the Public Transportation Benefit Area. For more information about STA, please visit our web site at www.spokanetransit.com.
July 8 , 2008 | top
STA Board Member Receives National Recognition
Spokane City Council Member and STA Board Member Al French has been named Board Member of the Year by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). He is the first transit agency board member in Washington State to receive the award, which will be presented in October at the Association’s Annual Conference.
French has been one of three city council members to serve on the STA Board since 2002, serving as chair twice; in 2003 and 2007. He is acknowledged as the driving force behind the organization’s transformation by board members and STA administrators alike.
“Through Al’s leadership, Spokane Transit has regained its credibility in the community as an agency oriented towards fiscal responsibility, while at the same time providing a valuable public service to the regional transportation system,” said Dick Denenny, Spokane Valley council member and STA board member since 2003.
Starting in 2003 French chaired an STA task force whose assignments included designing a system half its current size as a contingency in case the ballot measure to increase the agency’s funding did not pass. It did pass, winning 68% voter approval, with a five-year sunset clause. In May 2008, 65% of voters approved the continuation of the tax without a sunset clause.
“Al French had a vision of what public transportation could be in Spokane. He wanted an effective and efficient system and an organization that would be a good steward of both the public’s money and trust, said Susan Meyer, STA CEO since 2005. “With his leadership we have met or exceeded everything the board set out to do. And we did it one year early.”
French also served on STA’s Finance & Administration Committee for three years, the Light Rail Steering Committee for two years, and the Executive Committee since 2002.
French, who is the City Council’s president pro tem, is an architect and developer.
The APTA nomination was submitted by STA staff.
May 29, 2008 | top
STA TO FEARE TUART, DANCE AND MUSIC AT THE PLAZA
FIRST FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2008
Spokane Transit will host a variety of artists and performers this summer as part of Spokane’s First Friday festivities. The kick-off begins Friday, June 6, with folk music by Just Taylor at 5:00 p.m. All First Friday events hosted by STA take place on the upper level of The Plaza at 701 W. Riverside.
Featured artist Patricia Swartout, who specializes in abstract acrylic and mixed media paintings, will be on site at 6:00 p.m. Swartout’s paintings will remain on exhibit in The Plaza throughout the month of June and are available for purchase.
Argentine Tango Dance lessons, provided by Conexion del Tango Academy of Dance, begin at 7:00 p.m. and are free of charge.
November 15, 2007 | top
SPOKANE TRANSIT RIDERSHIP CONTINUES TO INCREASE
Spokane Transit ridership increased by 9.4 percent in 2006 but early figures indicate that 2007 could see a ridership increase in double-digit percentage figures. The 2006 increase was the second highest growth rate of all urban systems in Washington State and was accomplished while spending fewer dollars per revenue hour than all other urban systems in the state. STA’s ridership increase was more than three times the national average in 2006 and is on pace to be four times the national average increase for 2007.
According to the American Public Transportation Association, national transit ridership rose at 2.9 percent in 2006 and has shown modest increases of 2.3 percent and 1.1 percent in each of the first two quarters of 2007, respectively. Through the first three quarters of 2007, STA has seen an overall increase in ridership of 11.7 percent.
“The service improvements we made in 2005 have really taken hold in the system and the community,” said E. Susan Meyer, STA CEO. “We not only made improvements to increase ridership, we did it within a framework of fiscal responsibility,” she added.
The service improvements coincided with a strong communications effort to better inform the public about STA services and an increased visibility in partnerships with community events such as Bloomsday, Hoopfest, the 2007 Figure Skating Championships, the Antiques Roadshow, and many other local activities in which STA provides shuttle services.
“We’ve built a service model that attracts riders,” said Meyer. “Members of the Spokane community use our service at rates that compete with the most densely populated areas in the state. We want to continue that trend while making a commitment to improve the quality of our service,” she added.
July 10, 2007 | top
SPOKANE TRANSIT REDUCES EMISSIONS
Spokane Transit recently was awarded a grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology to reduce diesel engine emissions on many of its buses. The grant was initially awarded last year for $121,500 to install crankcase filtration systems but that figure was increased to $268,500 to allow for the installation of additional equipment.
By the end of this summer, 83 buses in STA’s fleet will be completely retrofitted with the new emissions components. These systems are expected to reduce the emissions of each bus by more than 90 percent according to the manufacturer.
E. Susan Meyer, STA CEO, has a broad perspective on the impact of the changes to the community. “When you combine the retrofitting project with the addition of new coaches and hybrids this fall, our fleet becomes very environmentally friendly. That’s something the Spokane area can really be proud of,” she said.
Ron Edgar, Chief of Technical Services for the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency, said that the retrofitting project at STA is similar to other retrofitting projects being carried out by various local school districts and the City of Spokane. “All of these projects will help reduce the amount of particulate matter typically found in high-congestion areas and drastically reduce the health risks that are commonly associated with diesel particulate,” he said.
Each retrofitted bus will be equipped with a filter for recycling oil that vaporizes within the engine before it can escape into the atmosphere. Because of the additional funds, many of those same buses will also be fitted with filters that remove particles from the exhaust. New buses are required to have computerized versions of these same filtration systems already installed.
Retrofitting filters on diesel exhaust systems has raised maintenance issues in the past because the filters can become clogged if the right fuel isn’t used. STA started using diesel fuel with ultra-low sulfur content last October and the emission control systems are designed to work well with that fuel without requiring a lot of maintenance. The DOE grant also funds maintenance of the systems for three years.
April 26, 2007 | top
STA Expands Bloomsday Express Shuttle Times
Spokane Transit has expanded its arrival and departure times for Bloomsday Express Shuttles on May 6, 2007 to accommodate the race’s staged start times. Participants are advised to arrive at shuttle lots or bus stops, two hours prior to their group’s start time. Morning pick-up times are 6:30-8:30 a.m. Return trips are 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
The ever-popular $1 sticker pass returns this year. The pass is good all day for the entire system, including the express shuttles. Those without stickers must pay $1 each way. Participants place the stickers on a designated spot on their race number. Spokane Transit will be at the Bloomsday Trade Show selling stickers. You can also buy one at The STA Plaza. Stickers will not be sold on race day.
Express Lots
Participants will be dropped off downtown on 1st Ave., between Post and Stevens.
• Northtown Mall
Board on Lidgerwood near Wellesley.
• Ferris High School
37th and Regal. Board on North side of school.
• Spokane Valley Mall
Board on Indiana near the Red Robin and Tony Roma’s restaurants.
• Cheney, EWU Red Barn
Board at 820 Washington St. in Cheney.
More Information
• Stop by the Spokane Transit booth at the Bloomsday Trade Show for a brochure and to view a large map of the express routes.
• Visit www.spokanetransit.com for more information, including more details about the service, regular Sunday service, maps and a graphic of the sticker. Members of the print or electronic media may also request maps/graphics from STA by using the contact information above.
Story Ideas
Hundreds of STA employees volunteer or work overtime to make this large community event a success. We welcome members of the media to ride along and interview employees or Bloomsday participants during the trip (we’ll even bring you back to your car). With over 10,000 rides given just last year on the shuttle routes - it’s quite a site to see. Use the contact information above to set up a location and time.
November 9, 2006 | top
SPOKANE TRANSIT PUTS 19 NEW BUSES INTO SERVICE
Spokane Transit is pleased to announce it has introduced 19 new 40-foot buses into service in the past few weeks.
The buses were manufactured by Gillig Corporation located in Hayward, California. The purchase was accomplished through a competitive bid “piggy-back” opportunity at Intercity Transit, Olympia, Washington, from which Spokane Transit is eligible to procure through an inter-governmental purchase. The total cost for the new coaches was $6,199,890; $4,304,461 by a federal grant and a local match of $1,895,429. These new coaches replaced coaches that had been in service since 1990 – 1992.
Amenities of the coaches include:
• 42 seated capacity
• Low floor design – this design allows the coach to pull up to a stop and be flush with the curb – avoiding a gap between the bus and the sideway. This is also a great feature for our winter weather.
• Each vehicle has a wheelchair ramp – these offer easy access for our passengers using wheel chairs.
• The Federal Transit Administration sets a minimum life cycle at 12 years/500,000 miles. The vehicles these coaches are replacing operated for 14-16 years and averaged near 750,000 miles each. We expect to operate these with the same life cycle as those we replaced.
• Spokane Transit will save approximately $.17 cents per mile with these coaches. Cost per mile to operate these vehicles it $.10 compared to the ones replaced which cost $.27 per mile.
Spokane Transit is also expecting 6 new articulated buses in the next few months.
November 7, 2006 | top
BIG CHANGES ARE HAPPENING AT SPOKANE TRANSIT
New fareboxes mean more options to community
Token exchange in progress
On December 4, 2006 Spokane Transit will replace the fareboxes on its fixed route buses and vans with high-tech machines that will offer a wider range of options to customers. These changes do not include a price increase. There are some significant changes we’re excited to share with the public.
Token exchange now underway
STA will not accept tokens as fare payment starting Dec. 4, 2006. Public transportation tokens have been a part of transit since streetcars rolled through downtown Spokane, but as STA ushers in new fareboxes, so go metal tokens. Tokens are being replaced with a Two-Hour Pass. This new pass offers unlimited rides for a two-hour window and is the same price ($1) as one ride.
On Oct. 21, 2006, customers started exchanging tokens for Two-Hour Passes at The Plaza Customer Service counter or The Bus Shop Too at 1229 W. Boone Ave., during regular business hours. The new passes cannot be used until Dec. 4, 2006, but we encourage everyone to exchange early and save enough tokens to last until December. Customers have until December 2007 to exchange all tokens before they lose their value.
More information about the history of public transportation tokens in the Spokane area can be found at www.spokanetransit.com.
Background Information – What’s happening Dec. 4, 2006?
Fareboxes
These machines are the catalyst for all of the new fare options available to our customers. This is a big upgrade from our current machines which are decades old. We expect a slight learning curve, but anticipate customers will immediately appreciate all the new features.
Two-Hour Passes
These replace paper transfers and tokens. Riders request one from the coach or van operator before paying their fare, or buy one at Customer Service or a Ticket Vending Machine (TVM). Cost is $1($0.50 VIP.)
Day Passes
Good for all rides for one service day. Riders purchase from the coach or van operator, customer service or a TVM. Cost is $2.50.
Smart Cards
Can be a Monthly Pass or a Stored Value Card. Can be reloaded at Customer Service or a TVM and reused indefinitely.
Tokens & Pennies
Cannot be used as fare payment starting Dec. 4, 2006.
Ticket Vending Machines
Located at The Plaza, Five Mile Park & Ride and the Valley Transit Center. They dispense Two-Hour Passes, Day Passes and reload Smart Cards. The Plaza TVM will accept cash, debit and credit cards. The Five Mile Park & Ride and the Valley Transit Center TVMs will only take debit and credit cards.
Free Ride Days
As you can imagine, installing new fareboxes on every STA fixed route bus and van is quite a task. So, as a thank you to the community for a great year and to allow time to install the new fareboxes, STA is offering free rides Dec. 1-3, 2006. Every bus or van; all three days. Enjoy!
Media note
• Enclosed with this release is a green brochure that details all of the changes associated with the farebox installation. These materials should answer most of your questions. This brochure is being distributed throughout the Spokane area and is just one of the communication paths we’re using to communicate these changes to our customers. Members of the media and the public can also visit www.spokanetransit.com for more information.
• If you are interested in a hands-on review of the new fareboxes please contact Molly Myers, STA Communications Manager at 509-325-6090. Members of the TV, radio or print media are welcome to view the machines and discuss the fare changes for the benefit of their audiences.
September 21, 2006 | top
SPOKANE TRANSIT RIDERSHIP CONTINES TO CLIMB
Spokane Transit announced today that ridership on their services continues to climb.
Fixed Route (Bus): Average weekday ridership is up 9.4% year to date. Comparing August to August, the agency has experienced a 15.2% increase.
Paratransit: Ridership on this service is up 7.8% compared to August of 2005. Year to date ridership has increased 6.3%.
Vanpool (Rideshare): Use of this service is up significantly. Total customer trips are up 42.5% for the month of August as compared to August 2005 and year to date up 31.9%.
When comparing STA to other transit agencies around the state, STA’s operational comparisons are outstanding.
STA has the lowest operating cost of any urban system in the state with an $85.54 cost per hour and the state urban average is $102.34. When looking at cost per passenger, what it costs to run the service per passenger served. STA has a $4.11 cost – the urban average is $4.57 per passenger. Comparisons done with Washington State Department of Transportation – Summary of Public Transportation – 2005.
Nationwide public transportation ridership also continues to rise. Nearly 5 billion trips have been taken on public transportation in the first six months of 2006, according to American Public Transportation Association’s media release today. For the full release go to http://www.apta.com/research/stats/ridership.
July 20, 2006 | top
SPOKANE TRANSIT BOARD APPROVES REVISED TARIFF POLICY, NEW FAREBOXES
Today the Spokane Transit Board of Directors approved a revised fare/tariff policy that will provide customers a wider variety of fare options. This approval comes one m onth after the board approved a contract to purchase new fare collection equipment for buses and paratransit vans. The new equipment and policy will be introduced to the public in early December 2006.
The revisions to the fare policy were guided by Spokane Transit’s philosophy to promote increased ridership by providing a convenient, easy to use and reasonably priced method for citizens to enjoy the advantages of public transportation. The introduction of new fare collection equipment creates the ability to offer more options to regular and occasional riders.
Highlights of the revised fare policy:
- Two-Hour Pass: Paper transfers will be replaced with a Two-Hour Pass that allows for unlimited travel for a 2-hour period. Riders purchase the $1 pass from the coach operator, rather than requesting a paper transfer. The farebox will issue a magnetic stripe card for use on the next boarding(s). Two-Hour Passes can also be purchased in advance from customer service locations.
- Day Pass: Introduction of a Day Pass that allows for unlimited travel for one service day. Riders purchase the $2.50 magnetic stripe card from the operator or at a customer service counter to be used on the next boarding(s).
Both Two-Hour and Day Passes allow riders to make multiple destination stops using just one fare. So, going to the coffee shop, grocery store and home again has never been easier.
- Stored Value Cards: Introduction of Stored Value Cards that work like a gift card by deducting the fare amount per ride. Cards can be pre-purchased at customer service for set amounts of $10 and $20. This means riders will no longer have to worry about carrying exact change for the farebox.
- Smart Cards: Ability to use Smart Cards, which are chip-embedded cards holding data that allows a vast array of potential fare opportunities. Cards are read when passed by or “within proximity” of the smart card reader on the farebox. A one-time fee for this re-useable card will be charged to the customer. The fee will be based on STA’s cost to provide the cards. Fareboxes will not dispense Smart Cards; they can be purchased at customer service locations. Smart Cards can also serve as an identity card (by adding a photo and other simple information).They can be reloaded with additional value and reused indefinitely.
- Tokens: Tokens will no longer be accepted as a fare. Customers may use tokens as a single-ride fare until early December. Later this year riders can exchange tokens for a Two-Hour Pass that will allow more flexibility to customers.
The following STA programs are still in effect and as popular as ever.
- Monthly passes for Students, Youth, VIPs, and Adults
- Organization-based programs for EWU and Spokane County
- Employee Sponsored Bus Pass program
- City Ticket
- Special shuttle fares
- Summer Youth Pass program.
Highlights of the new fare collection equipment
Each bus will be equipped with a new collection device, which looks very similar to current onboard devices. Major changes to the equipment include the ability to dispense magnetic stripe Two-Hour and Day Passes. Riders can also use proximity Smart Cards at the machines by simply waving them near a sensor.
The equipment will help STA plan routes and schedule adjustments by more accurately tracking passenger usage throughout the system. Many internal processes, including how fare money is stored and counted will be streamlined, saving time and money. This all means better service to customers.
Communicating changes to the public
In the coming months STA will be out in the community sharing information about the revised fare policy and new equipment to ensure that riders take full advantage of the new fare options. This effort will include hands on demonstrations, informational literature and advertising explaining all changes and enhancements. Riders should expect to see information this fall.
Media note
This November STA will invite members of the media to a hands-on demonstration of the fareboxes and a discussion about the fare policy. Both print, radio and television media will have the opportunity to try out the devices for the benefit of their audiences. Members of STA’s executive team will be available for interviews at that time. STA will provide dates well in advance of the event.
June 30, 2006 | top
SPOKANE TRANSIT'S HOOPFEST RIDERSHIP SOARS
Spokane Transit announced today that ridership for the HoopLoop service in downtown Spokane during Hoopfest reached a record high. STA gave over 2,500 individual rides, an eight-fold increase on the two shuttle loops that bounded the downtown core.
Early in 2006, STA staff and Hoopfest leaders decided to try a new approach to service on Hoopfest weekend. Rather than shuttling riders around the courts in one large loop, it was determined that a park and ride system on either side of downtown Spokane would help move cars out of downtown, while moving participants and fans in and out quickly.
“I am very pleased with the Hoopfest results,” said STA CEO E. Susan Meyer. “Our staff works hard to ensure these events are successful and from the number of players and fans who rode last weekend, it looks like it worked.”
STA re-evaluates service for community events immediately after each event to determine what worked and what needs improvement to ensure that the next year’s event is a success. This constant drive for improvement has led to strong partnerships with many organizations in the Spokane area including Hoopfest, Bloomsday, Artfest, Valleyfest, Live it Up!, and First Night.
“We are excited about the success of this year’s HoopLoop, said Hoopfest Executive Director, Brady Crook. “As we looked at the challenges of getting players, spectators and volunteers to the site due to the 1-90 renovation, it was a natural fit to partner with STA. It was a pleasure working with STA and their talented people to design and implement a system that turned out to be so successful. As we look toward the future, we are hopeful that this program will continue to grow and alleviate traffic during Hoopfest.
“When you have community partners like the STA, working so hard to make Hoopfest better, it makes the success of this tremendous event even more rewarding. Thank you STA for your leadership in implementing this program.”
June 20, 2006| top
SPOKANE TRANSIT OFFERS HOOPFEST SERVICE
Spokane Transit hopes to ease your parking worries during Hoopfest this year. STA is currently selling a special $2 Hoopfest weekend pass good for unlimited use of the entire STA system for the weekend of June 24-25, 2006.
The ‘HoopLoop’ pass, is also good on two new shuttle routes bounding downtown Spokane. The shuttles will run in 10-minute loops on the west and east sides of the downtown core for the big event.
The loops run Saturday 6 a.m.-8 p.m. & Sunday 6 a.m.-6 p.m.:
- From the free STA Jefferson Street Park and Ride lot to the west side of downtown on Lincoln Street. The Jefferson lot is under I-90, on Jefferson Street between 3rd and 4th avenues.
- From the free parking lots at the University District’s WSU Riverpoint campus to the east side of downtown on Bernard Street. The University District is east of Division and south of the Spokane River.
HoopLoop passes can be purchased at the STA Plaza downtown or during team check-in at Riverfront Park on Thursday, June 22 and Friday, June 23. You don’t need a pass to ride the system, but regular $1 fares apply each way. Individual rides on the two downtown shuttle loops can be purchased for just $0.50.
Due to the basketball courts surrounding the STA Plaza, all traditional routes will be detoured to alternate boarding zones just a few short blocks away in the area of Second Avenue and Howard Street. All regular service schedule times still apply.
For more information about HoopLoop passes, the two downtown shuttle loops, alternate boarding zones, park and ride lots, or routes, please visit www.spokanetransit.com.
Media notes:
Members of the print or television media can request a graphic of the HoopLoop service area by e-mailing Dan Kolbet at dkolbet@spokanetranst.com. Please note what format you need. , e.g., .jpg, .eps, .pdf.
June 19, 2006 | top
SPOKANE TRANSIT RIDERSHIP ON THE RISE
Spokane Transit announced today that its year-to-date average weekday ridership increased by 7.1% and total passengers increased by 5.9% compared to January-April of last year. Other strong year-to-date performance indicators include a rise in pass sales and vanpool passengers.
STA attributes these positive results to a well-received service change in the fall of 2005, targeted marketing efforts for pass sales, continued excellent customer service and the increased costs associated with driving single occupant vehicles.
Service Change
In October 2005, STA introduced service changes across the entire system creating more frequency and better connectivity. STA responded to rider requests for 30 or 15-minute frequency on many routes, additional routes to shorten walking distance and fewer transfers.
Our goal for the service change was to make using Spokane Transit easier than ever and the increase in riders tells us we’re on the right track,” said STA CEO E. Susan Meyer.
The largest increase in ridership was the Southside Medical Shuttle, at 74.3%. This route features 20-minute service to medical facilities on the lower South Hill.
More info online: www.spokanetransit.com
Partnerships
A continued partnership with Eastern Washington University has resulted in positive growth in riders. EWU’s Eagle Pass program, which provides a pass to every student, staff and faculty member, boasted a 21.4% increase (47,327 total riders) compared to January-April of 2005. The program is paid for by EWU Parking Services, the university, and Associated Students of EWU. STA is currently working with other area institutions to develop similar programs.
More info online: www.ewu.edu or www.spokanetransit.com
Student Passes
As the result of a focused marketing effort to eight education institutions in the area and discounted pricing, total Student Pass sales have increased more than 140% (47,327 passengers year to date.) Students at participating institutions are eligible to purchase a monthly pass at $26 ($7 less than a traditional pass). Some institutions have further discounted the passes, making the Student Pass an even better deal for price-conscious students.
“The Student Pass program has been a win-win for area students, saving them money, while making getting to school quick and convenient,” said Molly Myers, STA Communications Manager.
More info online: www.spokanetransit.com
Vanpool
Total Vanpool passengers increased by 20.6% to 12,268. Due to the great demand for vanpool vehicles, STA added an additional 11 vans to its fleet, accounting for much of the ridership increase. Vanpool vehicles allow groups of people who live or work in the same area to commute together using 7- or 15-passenger vans.
More info online: www.rideshareonline.com
Price of Gas
According to the Energy Information Administration, the average price for a gallon of gas in Washington has increased nearly $0.85 from this time last year. The price for a one-way fare on Spokane Transit has remained steady at $1 since January 2002. Public transportation users are price savvy and know a good deal when they see it.
More info online: www.fuelcostcalculator.com