Opportunity Reduced Fare Program
The Income-Based Reduced Fare Pilot Program
To further our vision of Connecting Everyone to Opportunity and development of the Connect 2035 strategic plan, the Opportunity Reduced Fare pilot program will launch as a pilot program by offering 50% discounted fares for eligible riders that meet the income-based requirements.
The STA Board of Directors approved this two-year pilot program. It runs from December 1, 2025, to November 30, 2027, unless it reaches the $1.14 million spending cap first. STA will provide updates on spending (below) and, if necessary, any change to the end date.
- $17,561 in fare to date (updated May 15, 2026)
Eligibility
The Opportunity Reduced Fare pilot program is available to STA riders that may not qualify for another reduced fare program.
Application Requirements
Applicants must complete STA’s official Reduced Fare application and provide all the required documents in order to be considered for the Opportunity Reduced Fare pilot program.
If approved for the pilot program, the individual will receive a 50% discount on bus fare valid for one year.
Required Documentation
Individuals who receive Basic Food benefits managed by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS):
In addition to the Required Documentation (details on the Reduced Fare page), one of the following is also required:
- Food Approval Letter
- Food Benefits Verification Letter
- DSHS Notices, including:
- Cash/Food/Medical Recertification letters
- Change in Cash/Food Assistance notices
- General – No Change in Benefits notices
Program Annual Renewal
The Opportunity Reduced Fare pilot program enrollment expires one year from the date the original application was approved (e.g. approved December 1, 2025; expires November 30, 2026).
It is the individual’s responsibility to renew their Opportunity Reduced Fare status each year by completing the following:
- Reapply for the Opportunity Reduced Fare program by submitting a new STA Reduced Fare application
- Provide proof of eligibility through enrollment in a government-assisted program
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be enrolled in a government-assisted program to qualify?
Yes. The government-assistance program that can provide verification required by STA as legal proof of income status is through the Washington State Department of Social and Human Services (DSHS). Enrollment in one of the programs allows STA to approve Opportunity Reduced Fare pilot program applications.
*Effective as of Monday, December 1, 2025.
Are there exceptions if I’m not enrolled in a government-assisted program but can verify my income status?
No. STA is not authorized to verify and approve an individual’s or family’s income status. Therefore, the applicant must be enrolled in a government-assistance program authorized by the Opportunity Reduced Fare pilot program.
If I don’t qualify for the Opportunity Reduced Fare now, could I likely qualify later?
Applicants of the Opportunity Reduced Fare pilot program will qualify for the program if they meet the income qualifications and are enrolled in one the government-assisted programs identified by Spokane Transit as proof of income status at the time the Opportunity Reduced Fare pilot program application is received.
Are there other reduced-fare programs available?
Yes, the other four reduced-fare programs do not require income verification. View STA’s Reduced-Fare programs here.
How long will the Opportunity Reduced Fare pilot program last?
As part of STA’s 10-year strategic plan Connect 2035, the Opportunity Reduced Fare pilot program was approved by STA’s Board of Directors to launch as a two-year pilot program. It runs from December 1, 2025, to November 30, 2027, unless it reaches the $1.14 million spending cap first. STA will provide updates on spending and any change to the end date.
What if my income increases within the 12 months after the reduced-fare application is approved?
Approved Opportunity Reduced Fare pilot program individuals will be allowed to pay the 50% discount fare for one year from the date the application is approved. All individuals must renew their reduced-fare status annually on or before the date the original application was approved by reapplying for the Opportunity Reduced Fare program and submitting a new STA Reduced Fare application and additional documentation requirements outlined in the Verified Program Partners section above.