Spokane, WA—Amidst the backdrop of continued devastation from the Spokane Complex fires, Friday’s election drop shows voters have approved the renewal of a sales tax that funds bus and paratransit service in Spokane County. This result ensures that Spokane Transit Authority can keep buses running for the working people, students, seniors, and people with disabilities who rely on public transportation to get where they need to go.
Initially approved in 2016, this sales tax helped STA increase service hours by over 35%. While most of the renewed funding will maintain the improved service levels achieved over the last 10 years, it will also help enhance service in the coming years. This includes opening the Argonne Station in 2028 and the Division Street Rapid Transit line in 2030, as well as funding “Mobility-on-Demand” pilots to areas not currently served by STA.
The Yes for Buses campaign faced steep headwinds in recent weeks as an opposition campaign, largely funded by Spokane-area businessman Larry Stone, raised more than $288,000 and spent at least $166,000 to try to defeat the proposition. The pro-transit campaign spent just $78,000 and relied on door knocking and public events to get the word out.
Supporters of STA Prop 1 and the Yes for Buses campaign voiced their gratitude to voters and lauded the staff of Spokane Transit Authority for helping vulnerable people escape the evacuation zone as the Spokane Complex fires spread.
“This election result shows how valuable Spokane Transit Authority is for our region and its residents,” said Erik Lowe & Sarah Rose, Co-Executive Directors of Spokane Reimagined. “We’re immensely grateful to the community for recognizing the importance of STA in connecting all of us to opportunity. Thank you STA for all the incredible work you do to make our communities safer and more vibrant.”
“Spokane Transit Authority bus operators went toward the fires to help people evacuate,” said Kirk Hovenkotter, Executive Director of Transportation Choices Coalition. “STA is more than a transit agency; it’s an essential part of our emergency response. We’re heartened to see this measure pass, so that the dedicated staff at STA can continue their important work of getting people where they need to go.”
“Once again, Spokane has proven that a few extremely wealthy people cannot use hundreds of thousands of dollars to convince the people of Spokane to vote against what is working for ordinary people in our community,” said Kitty Klitzke, Spokane City Councilmember and STA Board Member.
“I would like to thank the citizens for once again trusting STA to provide our transportation needs,” said Pam Haley, Spokane Valley City Councilmember and STA board member. “You have ensured that people will continue to get to jobs on time and in comfort. STA is more than transportation, as evidenced by the recent events during the tragic fires. People were moved to safety in buses by the amazing drivers that work for you.”
“The Yes on Buses victory shows again that the Spokane community values and supports STA bus service,” said Andy Billig, local business owner and former Washington State Senate Majority Leader. “With this renewal, we are protecting against STA service cuts and continuing to invest in our community with expanded service that will result in improved mobility and better accessibility for the people of Spokane County.”
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Spokane Reimagined is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization dedicated to remaking Spokane’s transportation system. They advocate for safer streets, public transportation investment, and land use that supports those goals.
Transportation Choices Coalition is a statewide policy and advocacy nonprofit bringing people together to fight for safe, equitable, and sustainable transportation. They have supported campaigns to fund public transit in cities and counties across Washington State.
