Spokane’s first Bus Rapid Transit line
City Line combines frequency and efficiency in a modern streetcar-like experience.
By providing a faster and more convenient transportation option, City Line will improve the downtown Spokane experience without increasing congestion. Our community and local businesses benefit.
Features
Next-Level Service: 7.5-minute frequency during weekday peak hours (7 – 9 am, 3 – 6 pm); 15-minute midday frequency, six days a week except in early morning and late night hours; and 30-minute frequency on Sundays.
Quiet Buses, Clean Air : The City Line fleet will feature all-electric, state-of-the-art zero emission vehicle technology.
Economic Benefits : City Line’s economic impact will bring an estimated $175 million into the Spokane region over twenty years.
Enhanced Amenities: Near-level boarding, off-board ticketing, real-time signage and distinctively-branded buses and boarding stations.
Reduced Congestion: City Line’s 60-foot buses will help mitigate traffic congestion and reduce expensive wear and tear on city streets.
City Line offers 7.5-minute service during weekday peak hours:
7 - 9 am
3 - 6 pm
From Browne's Addition to Spokane Community College
The six-mile route between Spokane’s historic Browne’s Addition and Spokane Community College will connect through downtown and the University District, including Gonzaga University.
City Line intersects with most of Spokane Transit’s routes, increasing connectivity to the downtown core from throughout the service area.
City Line Route Map
City Line Buses
Zero Emission
Exclusive to City Line, the uniquely branded 60-foot articulated buses utilize state-of-the-art battery-electric technology. These zero emission buses are the first five-door buses with left-side boarding and four-wheel drive.
The charging is done by lowering pantograph arms from overhead, connecting to the vehicle’s battery located on the top of the vehicle. This type of overhead charging is three times faster than traditional plug-in charging. STA has installed overhead charging stations on the Spokane Community College campus at the SCC Transit Center, and at STA’s Boone Northwest Garage.
Read more about the vehicle specs and learn about STA’s electrification plans here.
Riding City Line
Boarding From the Right
When boarding a City line bus from the right side, you have the option to board at the front door, middle door or back door.
Front Door Boarding
- Accepts cash fares*
- Accepts Connect card
- Will accept contactless payments
Middle Door Boarding
- Accessibility entrance
- Accepts Connect card
- Accepts contactless payments
Back Door Boarding
- Bicycle entrance
- Accepts Connect card
- Accepts contactless payments
*NOTE: Cash fares are only accepted at the front door of the bus.
Boarding From the Left
When boarding a City line bus from the left side, you have the option to board at the middle door or back door, there is no front door.
Cash payments can be made before the bus arrives at a ticket vending machine. Cash is not accepted on the bus at left-boarding City Line stations.
Middle Door Boarding
- Accessibility entrance
- Accepts Connect card
- Accepts contactless payments
Back Door Boarding
- Bicycle entrance
- Accepts Connect card
- Accepts contactless payments
Ticket Vending Machines
Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) allow you to pay your fare with cash before the bus arrives at the station. This is a good option for riders who do not yet have a Connect card.
A ticket with a QR code will be printed, which can be scanned on the bus at one of the three fare validators available at each entrance.
At left-boarding stations, TVMs are the only option for cash payment. Cash is not accepted on the bus at left-boarding City Line stations.
NOTE: The two-hour window for riding with a ticket, begins at the time you purchase the ticket.
Off-board Fare Validation
Fare validators will be available at City Line stations that have the highest number rider boardings.
Riders can validate their fares before the bus arrives, to make boarding faster and more efficient.
NOTE: The two-hour window for your first ride of the day, begins at the time you validate your Connect card.
Stations with off-board fare validators include:
- STA Plaza Bay 9
- STA Plaza Bay 10
- Spokane Falls & Sherman
- SCC Transit Center
Contactless Payments
Fare validators accept contactless payment on the bus and at stations with off-board fare validation. Accepted cards are Visa, Mastercard, and Discover Card.
City Line Station Art
Neighborhood Station Art
In 2019, Spokane Arts gathered input from property and business owners in the communities along the City Line to incorporate into place-based themes for the design of City Line Stations.
Artists applied and were selected to work with Spokane Arts, STA, and neighborhood partners to develop and finalize designs that reflect characteristics of each community.
Learn more about the artwork at spokanearts.org.
Station Art Along City Line
City Line Stations
Right-Boarding Stations
Right-boarding stations board on the right side of the bus, giving riders access to the front door, middle door, and back door.
Cash is accepted only at the front door of the bus.
Right-boarding stations include:
- Cannon & Fourth
- Spruce & Second
- STA Plaza Bay 10
- STA Plaza Bay 9
- Main & Howard
- Riverside & Stevens
- Main & Bernard
- Riverside & Bernard
- Main & Division
- Riverside & Division
- Spokane Falls & Sherman
- Cincinnati & Desmet
- Mission & Perry
- Mission & Napa
- Mission & Cook
- Mission & Regal
Left-Boarding Stations
Left-boarding stations board on the left side of the bus, giving riders access to the middle door and back door.
These stations offer a TVM allowing riders to pay for their fare with cash before the bus arrives at the station.
Left-boarding stations include:
- on the north and south sides of Fox Theater
- First & Monroe
- Sprague & Monroe
- on the north and south sides of West End Plaza
- First & Adams
- Sprague & Adams
- at SCC Transit Center
Center Stations
Center stations are located on a boarding platform in the center of the street accessible by a crosswalk.
Before boarding the bus, make sure to check the directional signage at your station. Confirm you are boarding on the side of the center station in the direction of the destination you would like to go towards.
All center stations board from the left side of the bus on both sides of the station.
Center stations include:
- Pacific & Hemlock
- Pacific & Oak
- Pine & Main
- Cincinnati & Springfield
- Mission & Columbus
Have Questions?
If you have questions about City Line, call Customer Service at 509-328-RIDE (7433).