Spokane, WA – Last week, Spokane Transit Authority’s (STA) Division Street Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project reached another important milestone on its path to implementation, obtaining a “Medium-High” overall funding recommendation rating from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) as part of its Capital Investment Grants (CIG) application. The news follows other important funding milestones earlier this year, including Congress directing the Trump Administration to allocate $82 million to the project within the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. The budget was subsequently signed into law by President Donald J. Trump on February 3, 2026.
“The Medium-High rating confirms the planned BRT investments on North Division Street qualify for major federal funding,” said STA CEO Karl Otterstrom. “Over 900,000 bus riders traveled on Division Street last year, and that ridership is expected to grow by nearly 50% when Bus Rapid Transit goes into service in 2030. The project is a major win for continued community and economic growth in this historic transit corridor.”
Division Street Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a transit improvement project that will expand existing bus service between downtown Spokane and north Spokane and Spokane County. One of the busiest streets in the city, BRT on Division Street will improve overall mobility in Spokane County via high-quality, fast, and frequent transit service that is expected to serve as an attractive option for residents and visitors, facilitating economic development through increased residential and commercial development, mobility, and overall economic growth in the region.
STA is in the final phases of the CIG grant application process and anticipates executing a grant agreement with the FTA within the next 12 months following the completion of other critical milestones. This project rating by the FTA, coupled with the funding appropriation, indicates the grant application is expected to be approved, and federal funds committed to the full project.
“These funding milestones are promising for the future of transit in the region as the Division Street BRT project will enhance accessibility,” said Lance Speirs, City of Medical Lake Councilmember and STA Board Chair. “The action from Congress to direct the funding allocation in this year’s fiscal budget shows their belief in this project and acknowledgement of STA’s efforts to deliver. It’s a testament to Spokane Transit’s continued delivery of projects that improve mobility and connect people to opportunity.”
In a press release issued earlier this year, Senator Patty Murray spoke of her role in the appropriations effort by Congress: “I’m proud to be bringing home $82 million for bus rapid transit in Spokane—this funding will help people get to where they need to go, whether that’s for work, school, or the doctor’s office. When we build connections through public transit, we’re growing economic opportunity for small business owners and workers alike.”
About CIG and Division Street BRT
The CIG program provides funding for a range of fixed‑guideway transit investments, including light rail and commuter rail, but also bus rapid transit projects. Projects seeking CIG funding must complete a multi‑year, multi‑step development process including environmental review, project development, and engineering before being eligible to receive grant funding.
Division Street BRT will feature zero-emission buses, enhanced stations with real-time information, transit priority measures, service planned for every 15 minutes or better, and coordinated pedestrian and bicycle improvements at key locations. Phase I of the Division Street BRT is expected to start construction in 2028 with service launch in 2030 and will be funded through a combination of federal, state, and local funds. Division Street BRT will complement City Line, STA’s first BRT, which has served more than 2 million riders since launch in July 2023.
Learn more about Division Street BRT and the Capital Investment Grants Program | FTA.
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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 and Spokane Valley, and parts of the unincorporated County.
The organization employs nearly 800 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
