Authored by Thomas Duke, Managing Consultant

The city of Spokane, Washington, in collaboration with the Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE), has expanded its battery-electric bus (BEB) fleet, launching the much-anticipated City Line service on July 15, 2023. With a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, Spokane Transit Authority's (STA) new zero-emission transit buses offer passengers a quieter, cleaner, and more comfortable ride while reducing the city's carbon footprint.

The introduction of these BEBs not only benefits the environment but also has a positive impact on Spokane's urban landscape. These buses offer a "streetcar-like" experience, significantly reducing congestion on the city's streets. By promoting the use of public transportation, Spokane aims to create a more efficient and interconnected urban transit system, providing residents with a reliable and convenient alternative to private vehicles.

The City Line will now offer "Next-Level Service" with buses operating at a 15-minute frequency for six days a week, except during early morning and late-night hours. This enhanced frequency aims to minimize waiting times and make public transportation a more attractive option for daily commuters. Passengers can also look forward to enhanced amenities including near-level boarding for easier accessibility, off-board ticketing to expedite boarding processes, real-time signage for accurate updates, and distinctively-branded buses and boarding stations to enhance the overall experience.

CTE played a pivotal role in overseeing all phases of the project, from project management to developing bus and fueling specifications. Route, rate, and charge modeling ensured the smooth integration of BEBs into Spokane's existing public transportation system. Additionally, CTE conducted rigorous validation testing and Key Performance Indicator (KPI) assessments to guarantee the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and performance.

With plans to have 40 BEBs in the near future, STA remains dedicated to collaborating with industry experts to achieve this goal. As the city's commitment to sustainability continues to grow, the electrification of public transportation marks a significant milestone in Spokane's journey towards becoming a model city for green transit solutions.

Hear more about Spokane's electric bus program from Chief Operations Officer, Brandon Rapez-Betty, at the 2023 Zero Emission Bus Conference (ZEB Con), this September 26-28 in San Diego.