FTA awards Spokane Transit’s Central City Line BRT $53.4 million

Jan. 22, 2020
The funding is provided through the Capital Investment Grants Program.
Spokane Transit Authority’s (STA) Central City Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project was awarded a $53.4-million grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). 

The $92.2-million Central City BRT project will provide faster, more reliable transit service by connecting communities along a 5.8-mile route between Browne’s Addition, a residential area and National Register Historic District located west of downtown Spokane, to an eastern terminus at Spokane Community College.

"This $53.4 million federal investment will provide residents along the Central City Corridor better access to jobs, educational opportunities and other services," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.

The funding for the project is through the FTA’s Capital Investment Grants (CIG) Program. The Central City Line BRT was one of five new allocations added in 2019. It is estimated to start service in 2022. STA says the service will feature more frequent trips with convenient elements such pre-board ticketing, level boarding and improved stations with real-time signage, wayfinding and other amenities.

"FTA is proud to join our partners in Washington to improve public transportation in Spokane," said FTA Acting Administrator K. Jane Williams. "The Central City Line BRT project will provide fast and efficient service, improving mobility and pedestrian access to convenient transit service."

About the Author

Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director

Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.

Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.

She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.  

She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.