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Division Street Bus Rapid Transit

Enhancing Connectivity in the Region's Busiest Corridor

Division Street Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a transit improvement project that will expand existing bus service between downtown Spokane and north Spokane and Spokane County.

One of the busiest streets in the City, BRT on Division Street will improve overall mobility in Spokane County via high-quality, fast, and frequent transit service that is expected to serve as an attractive option for residents and visitors, facilitating economic development through increased residential and commercial development, mobility, and overall economic growth in the region.

Service is expected to begin in 2030, once the North Spokane Corridor (NSC) is complete and the connection to I-90 is made.

Major Transit Improvements Coming to the Division/Ruby Street Corridor

Division Street Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) will be the second BRT line in the Spokane region, extending from downtown Spokane along the Division Street Corridor for approximately ten miles to the Mead area.

The project will deliver high-quality, fast, and frequent bus service to support a revitalized and vibrant Division Street corridor.

Key features will include:

  • zero emission buses
  • more than 40 new stations at major intersections
  • a new Mead transit center
  • transit signal priority for buses
  • Business Access and Transit (BAT) lanes
  • bike and pedestrian facilities
  • improved access to services

Latest News

November 25, 2024

 

Station Cutsheets

Station cutsheets are now available for stations 7-28 between Holland Avenue and Bridgeport Avenue.  Visit Division BRT documents to view the cutsheets.

STA Submits Application for the 2024 USDOT Reconnecting Communities Pilot – Capital Construction Grant

Visit the page on the 2024 USDOT Reconnecting Communities Pilot Grant Program.

Events

Public outreach is crucial to the Division Street BRT project because it plays a vital role in shaping the route and station locations. 

Two key areas requiring public input are the routing north of the Y and through downtown Spokane, as well as the finalization of preliminary station locations. This outreach ensures that the project meets the diverse needs of the community and garners support for its successful implementation.

Upcoming Events

No future events

Less Congestion

Buses make travel faster by reducing the number of cars on the road. A single bus can hold over one hundred riders. Less cars means less congestion for everyone.

Increased Access

Division Street BRT will expand and improve streets, crosswalks, and access for walking and cycling. Increased accessibility and safety helps residents and businesses.

Faster Travel

The Division BRT project will feature dedicated transit lanes. Cars can turn in these lanes, and buses also use them. Traffic can keep moving while buses stop for riders.

A wide aerial view of a busy urban street lined with trees, vehicles, and buildings. The road stretches into the distance under a clear sky, with traffic moving in both directions. Fall foliage is evident with trees displaying a variety of autumn colors.

Introducing the Division Street BRT Project!

City Line was the Spokane region’s first BRT route. Find out how that success lays the groundwork for increasing connectivity on Division Street in this short video. 

Watch here

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Benefits of BRT

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a public transportation system that provides faster and more reliable transit service than traditional buses. BRT includes distinct stations with enhanced passenger amenities including pay-before-you-board-technology, real-time bus arrival information, and raised platforms to make getting on and off the bus faster and easier. BRT buses arrive more frequently, so riders can just show up and go without needing to check a schedule. Zero-emission buses would help improve air quality and provide a smoother ride.

A silver bus with a "University Circle" sign on its front is stopped at a bus shelter on a sunny day. Colorful flowers adorn the landscaped area next to the shelter, and a tall building is visible in the background. Another bus is approaching in the distance.

Source: Cleveland Regional Transit Authority

A modern city bus labeled "University Circle" is stopped at a bus stop in an urban area. The bus stop has a curved glass shelter, and there are flowers planted nearby. Another bus is visible in the background, and tall buildings surround the scene.

Faster traffic flow

Buses make travel faster by reducing the number of cars on the road. High passenger capacity means fewer buses are needed compared to cars to transport the same number of people.

Developing fast and reliable bus routes makes riding the bus more appealing, drawing more riders and improving road efficiency. Fewer cars mean less congestion.

A modern, clean bus stop with a shaded seating area, trash cans, and an information board. The bus stop is situated on a sunny street lined with trees. Traffic lights and buildings are visible in the background. A bike lane runs parallel to the street.

Greater accessibility

Division Street BRT will improve streets, crosswalks, and access for walking and cycling. More options for mobility can reduce the stress associated with driving and parking hassles. They also make traveling accessible for those who cannot rely on cars to get to their destinations.

Increased accessibility and safety will improve quality of life along Division Street by fostering vibrant, walkable and bike-friendly communities.

Source: Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority

A modern bus stop with a glass shelter, metal bench seating, and tactile paving for accessibility. The stop is located on a sunny street with a few trees and a traffic light in the background. A red building with a tower is visible to the left.
Division Line Rendering with BAT lanes
A busy urban street with multiple lanes of traffic, including buses, cars, and a light rail. There are trees and buildings on both sides, and the sky is overcast. A bus stop with people waiting is visible on the right, alongside a billboard and streetlights.

No waiting behind buses

Division Street BRT will use dedicated transit lanes called BAT (Business Access & Transit) lanes. These are special lanes designated for buses and turning vehicles. Traffic can keep moving while buses stop for passengers. Turning in and out of businesses is also safer because you have better visibility and opportunity to turn.

No more stop and go!

A busy urban street with multiple cars driving in both directions. The background features commercial buildings, including shops and a billboard, with some trees visible. The sky is clear, indicating a sunny day.

How do buses reduce traffic congestion?

View a brief video that explains how an increased number of buses on the road can alleviate traffic congestion and maintain smoother traffic flow

Watch here

Background

Division Street was first identified in 2010 as a priority corridor for future transit investments

Timeline

Construction is expected to begin in 2027, and the BRT line will launch with the NSC

Documents

Read analyses, reports, and other documents that inform the project’s design and strategy

Project Partners

A logo featuring the City of Spokane. The design includes an arch bridge above the words "City of Spokane" in blue and white, with cascading water depicted below the bridge.
The City of Spokane is a key partner for the coordination of infrastructure elements in the City of Spokane public right of way. All project work outside the WSDOT right of way will require approval from the City of Spokane.
A graphic illustration of a large, historic courthouse with a tall central tower and smaller surrounding spires. The building is depicted in blue outline. Below the illustration, the text reads "Spokane County" in large font and "Washington" in smaller font.
The north portion of the alignment is within unincorporated Spokane County. Spokane County is a key project partner for the coordination of design, construction, operations, and community outreach for infrastructure elements.
Logo of the Spokane Regional Transportation Council with the acronym "SRTC" in large teal letters above the words "Spokane Regional Transportation Council" in smaller text.
The SRTC is the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the region and a key project partner. The project is included in the Horizon 2045 Spokane Metropolitan Transportation Plan.
The image displays the logo of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), featuring a green circular emblem on the left with lines resembling a road or path, and the letters "WSDOT" to the right in green text.
WSDOT will assist with decision-making, coordination, and approvals for most of the Division Street BRT alignment on US Highways 2 and 395, including traffic analysis, design standards, and environmental review.
A logo featuring the City of Spokane. The design includes an arch bridge above the words "City of Spokane" in blue and white, with cascading water depicted below the bridge.
The City of Spokane is a key partner for the coordination of infrastructure elements in the City of Spokane public right of way. All project work outside the WSDOT right of way will require approval from the City of Spokane.
A graphic illustration of a large, historic courthouse with a tall central tower and smaller surrounding spires. The building is depicted in blue outline. Below the illustration, the text reads "Spokane County" in large font and "Washington" in smaller font.
The north portion of the alignment is within unincorporated Spokane County. Spokane County is a key project partner for the coordination of design, construction, operations, and community outreach for infrastructure elements.
Logo of the Spokane Regional Transportation Council with the acronym "SRTC" in large teal letters above the words "Spokane Regional Transportation Council" in smaller text.
The SRTC is the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the region and a key project partner. The project is included in the Horizon 2045 Spokane Metropolitan Transportation Plan.
The image displays the logo of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), featuring a green circular emblem on the left with lines resembling a road or path, and the letters "WSDOT" to the right in green text.
WSDOT will assist with decision-making, coordination, and approvals for most of the Division Street BRT alignment on US Highways 2 and 395, including traffic analysis, design standards, and environmental review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Division Street is one of the busiest streets in Spokane serving as the main north-south street connecting communities between downtown up to the Y and further north.

Every day, more than 50,000 cars travel on Division Street with close to 2,500 people riding STA transit buses.

The timing of the BRT project is in alignment with the completion of the North Spokane Corridor. The Division Street BRT project will not be operational until the North Spokane Corridor is open.

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a public transportation system that creates more reliable and efficient service than traditional buses. BRT provides all-day, two-way, reliable and frequent service at distinct station locations. Buses arrive more frequently so riders can just “show up and go” without needing to check a schedule.

The BRT will run north-south from downtown Spokane, along Division and Ruby Streets past the “Y” to Hastings Road then east near the North Spokane Corridor freeway (NSC) locations.

Business Access and Transit (BAT) lanes are shared-use lanes for right-turning vehicles and bus-through travel that help buses to move more efficiently through traffic and provide safer access to businesses.

BAT lanes allow vehicles, including deliveries, to turn into and out of driveways.

Lanes are not being removed on the majority of the corridor, but converted into BAT lanes. One lane of Ruby Street through the couplet will be converted into two-way protected bicycle lanes and improved pedestrian facilities.

These conversions will promote active transportation and improve the efficiency of transit

BAT lanes enhance the capacity of traffic lanes by removing buses from the public travel lanes. Vehicles don’t get stuck behind the bus as it travels down Division. Turning into businesses is safer because you have better visibility and opportunity to turn.

Traffic flow is not expected to be impacted due to decreased traffic volumes that are expected to be diverted to NSC corridor. In fact, travel times may improve as traffic is not held up by stopping buses or cars making right hand turns.

Contact

Project Manager: Don Skillingstad
Email: [email protected]

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