How to Ride the Bus

Look for your neighborhood bus stop. There are about 1,700 bus stop signs in the STA service area. The information on the sign will tell you which bus routes stop there and which direction they are going from that stop.

Find your route. You can go to Routes and Schedules to view the system map and individual route schedules. The map will indicate where the route travels and possible connections to other routes. The schedules help you estimate when the bus will be at your stop.

Please have exact fare ready. Neither the fare box nor the bus operator can make change. The operator does not carry cash. You can read about the fares and passes available here.  

Get a transfer. If you need to transfer between buses, ask the bus operator as you board the bus for a two-hour pass.

Ask for directions. If you don’t know which stop is the one closest to your destination, ask the bus operator for help. When you are one block away from your stop, either pull the overhead bell cord of push the yellow strip. The operator will let you off at the next bus stop.

Travel Training. Need help learning how to use the bus system to let you travel independently? Special Mobility Services offers training. Learn more here.

Training can be helpful for those who:

  • are new to the community
  • can no longer drive
  • have never used public transportation
  • have physical disabilities
  • have intellectual disabilities
  • have psychological or mental health challenges
  • know little or no English

Reading a Schedule

Play Video

Reading a Bus Flag

Planning Your Trip

Getting on the Bus

Safety and Courtesy

Doing Homework on The Bus

Make Sure We Don’t Pass You By!

Every now and then a rider gets left behind because the driver doesn’t see them. Here are some tips to make sure you get noticed.

An image of a woman standing outside by a bus stop, looking off into the distance as she waits for the bus to arrive
Bikes on Busses Infographic Step 2

Bikes on Buses

STA provides bike racks on all their buses. The racks hold two, single-seat, two-wheeled, non-motorized bicycles. Each bicycle can be secured independently of one another.

You are responsible for loading, securing and removing your bicycle from the bike rack. Tell Me More.

Have a Safe Trip

For the safety and comfort of all people using public transit, STA established Rules of Conduct. Everyone is encouraged to use the buses, paratransit vans, and other STA facilities, but everyone must respect the rights of other customers. STA has rules that govern behavior while using transit facilities. They’re the law. STA Security and local police enforce these rules. Violators may be subject to arrest, fine, or exclusion from any or all vehicles and facilities.

Rules of Conduct, Prohibited Conduct
The following is an abridged version of the behaviors prohibited by STA while using STA transit vehicles and facilities.

Points of Courtesy

1. Animals (except service animals) must be in a carrier that fits under the seat or on your lap

2. Non-collapsible strollers, baby buggies and carts block the aisle and therefore must be prohibited. Collapse strollers or carts before boarding the bus

3. The center aisle of the bus must be kept clear at all times

4. Bicycles are allowed only on the racks in front of the bus for transport

5. Please respect your fellow riders

If you would like alternative formats of the Rules of Conduct, we are happy to produce them for people with disabilities. Please contact us at:

Spokane Transit Authority

C/O Clerk of the Authority
1230 W Boone Ave
Spokane, WA 99201

An image of a young man riding public transport, wearing a protective mask as he looks out the window.
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