MEDICAL LAKE – Local residents may see big changes to their transit system, according to Karl Otterstrom, the Chief Planning and Development Officer at Spokane Transit Authority
At the Nov. 19 City Council meeting, Otterstram laid out the STA’s plans to update local bus routes and accessibility.
Route 63 had nearly 48,600 rides in the past year, while Paratransit served 2,820 rides in 2023. STA’s Rideshare program includes five groups with 22 riders.
Changes are planned for Route 62, which connects State Highway 902 and Fourth Street in Medical Lake.
By 2025, STA hopes to simplify its schedule and routing, making the bus easier to use, said Otterstrom. New bus stops on Campbell, Prentis, and Lake Streets are also planned.
These plans are part of STA’s “Connect 2035,” a 10-year strategy focusing on customer experience, community collaboration, and sustainable regional growth. The agencies has identified $85 million for investments according to Otterstrom, including $55 million toward a clean energy campus and $30 million for other improvements.
To improve Route 62, Otterstrom said STA is planning upgrades for the State Route 902 and Graham intersection, adding compliant ramps, railings, and raised pads at stops.
Clare is an Eastern Washington University graduate and a reporter at Free Press Publishing.
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