Spokane, WA – Spokane Transit Authority (STA) continues its comprehensive investigation into the January 18 accident involving a double-decker bus that was operating off-route when it struck a railroad viaduct on Cedar Street between First and Second Avenues. Since then, STA has engaged with local officials as appropriate and is conducting the investigation in accordance with its Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP), as required by the Federal Transit Administration.
STA’s top priority is a complete and thorough investigation, and that work is expected to take several weeks. At this stage, the investigation is focused on multiple areas, including the operator’s training and experience, as well as the examination of potential software-related navigation issues.
As part of the initial investigation, STA can confirm the operator was trained and authorized to operate double-decker buses and has experience operating Routes 6 and 66. In parallel, STA is coordinating with the navigation software vendor to determine the origin and scope of any software-related issues.
Out of an abundance of caution following the accident, STA temporarily removed its double-decker fleet from service while the scope of the investigation was established. While that process continues, STA will implement additional safety measures before returning the double-decker buses to service.
Additional Safety Measures to Reintroduce Double-Decker Buses
- Operators assigned to double-decker buses will complete a second round of focused training reinforcing vehicle characteristics, height awareness, and route-specific requirements.
- The navigation software has been disabled for the double decker fleet. Operators will rely on their required knowledge of assigned routes, consistent with agency training and long-standing policy.
- As a precautionary measure, operators of double-decker buses will make a safety stop prior to proceeding under railroad viaducts. This measure is similar in concept to safety stops required at railroad crossings.
- Operators will provide verbal confirmation with dispatch when operating a double-decker bus upon departing STA Plaza outbound or when entering downtown Spokane, ensuring clear acknowledgment of vehicle type and travel path.
“Safety remains our first and foremost priority and guides everything we do at Spokane Transit,” said STA CEO Karl Otterstrom. “This investigation is being conducted methodically and in accordance with our federally required safety protocols. While that work continues, we are confident that our double-decker buses are operationally safe to return to service, and we will continue to take a disciplined, cautious approach as the review moves forward.”
A date to reintroduce the buses will be announced once the new, additional safety measures are in place.
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Spokane Transit provides public transportation services through fixed route (bus) service, Paratransit service, and Rideshare to the cities of Airway Heights, Cheney, Liberty Lake, Medical Lake, Millwood, Spokane, Spokane Valley, and parts of the unincorporated County.
The organization employs nearly 775 people and is overseen by a 14-member regional board: nine voting elected officials from jurisdictions within the Public Transportation Benefit Area, four non-voting elected officials from area small cities, and a non-voting labor representative.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Carly Cortright, Chief Communications & Customer Service Officer
Email: [email protected]
Office: (509) 344-1879 • Cell: (509) 768-3782
