March 2025

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2025 Service Revisions

2025 has changes in store. Here’s a look at the upcoming service improvements for the May and September 2025 service changes.

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STA Meets With Uzbekistan Reps

On February 25, STA hosted a delegation from Uzbekistan, offering insights into battery-electric bus technology, renewable diesel, and sustainable transit infrastructure. The visit, organized through Friendship Force International and the Open World Program, was part of an initiative to explore clean air solutions in Uzbekistan.

A green duotone photo of the STA website featuring its new real-time features, especially its real-time bus tracker map

Real-Time Updates to STA Website

STA has launched new real-time tracking features on its website, giving riders more accurate bus arrival information and an improved user experience. The updates make it easier for riders to track their bus as they plan trips and wait for the bus.

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STA Board Discusses Connect 2035 Sequencing

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The STA Board of Directors held a workshop on Thursday, March 20, before their monthly meeting to review the sequencing of initiatives for STA’s 10-year strategic plan, Connect 2035.

Implementation of those initiatives will occur across three time periods or “eras”: immediate efforts to complete STA Moving Forward projects and transition into the new strategic plan; capacity-building projects like the STA Facility Master Plan, clean energy infrastructure, and Division Street Bus Rapid Transit; and completing delivery, such as the transition to a zero-emission fleet, new transit corridor studies, and future growth opportunities.

A draft resolution to formalize project sequencing will be presented to the Planning & Development Committee in April before being recommended to the Board for adoption.

Whitworth Comfort

Station Project

Construction will begin soon for a new Coach Operator restroom for Route 28 Nevada at Whitworth University. The existing aged shelter will be removed and replaced with a new building. A new concrete sidewalk and bus stop shelter will also be installed for improved accessibility and comfort. STA’s newly approved 10-year strategic plan Connect 2035 commits to investing in adequate facilities for STA staff. STA worked closely with Whitworth University to ensure that the final design matches the look and feel of their campus.

Construction is expected to begin in late spring and wrap up around the end of June. For the duration of work, Route 28 will be rerouted with alighting and boarding areas on N Whitworth Drive and W Hawthorne Drive respectively.

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Rider Census Survey

STA is conducting a survey to better understand its ridership and help improve service. Riders will be asked about which routes they use, how they pay bus fare, and how changes to our system could affect access and use of public transit. The survey will be conducted in-person on STA buses by survey collectors and is anticipated to run towards the end of April.

Division Street BRT Amenities Survey Results

STA conducted a survey seeking feedback on select amenities for the upcoming Division Street Bus Rapid Transit project.

In addition to support for curved roof shelters, wind protection, and other features enhancing rider safety and comfort at the planned Division stations, there was overwhelmingly positive support to include station artwork reflecting local neighborhoods, similar to City Line stations. Feedback also requested that accurate schedule and real-time information be available at stations.

STA Senior Project Manager Don Skillingstad commented, "One overriding theme we noticed in the survey results was that people really like the City Line station design and amenities, which is what we modeled the Division stations after. They liked the curved roof design, the weather protection provided by the shelters, the neighborhood art themes, benches and the sense of security provided by the lighting and cameras."