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Projects & Plans

Zero Emissions, Infinite Possibilities

We are working hard to achieve a 100% Zero-emission bus fleet by 2045.

Why Go Zero Emissions?

Cleaner

Zero-emission buses cut tailpipe emissions, reducing local air pollution. Unlike diesel buses, they do not release harmful substances, improving air quality and health in our communities.

Quieter

Zero-emission buses reduce noise pollution, benefiting riders, drivers, and surrounding residents. Without traditional combustion engines, they are much quieter than diesel buses.

Cost-efficient

Zero-emission buses have fewer moving parts and do not need oil changes, leading to lower maintenance costs. Additionally, powering buses with electricity is cheaper compared to diesel.

Funding the Future of Transit

WSDOT logo with green text and a circular icon featuring stylized lines on the left.
Federal Transit Administration logo featuring a blue circular design.

Spokane Transit has primarily funded the transition to zero-emission technologies through available grant funding, which lowers the burden on Spokane taxpayer funds.

Since 2016, we have been awarded 16 grants and continue to apply for more funding to make sure the transition to a cleaner, greener fleet will be completed within budget.

Recent Progress

Completion of Charging Infrastructure 

STA finished building a network of charging stations for battery-electric buses, making it possible to run them regularly and reliably.

Launch of City Line with 11 Battery-Electric Buses

STA launched the City Line, the first all-electric Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) with five doors in the US, running every 7.5 minutes at peak from Spokane Community College to Browne’s Addition.

A purple city bus passes through an intersection near the Washington State University athletic center.
Close-up of a bus with a digital sign reading "4 VIA DOWNTOWN" at a sunny outdoor bus stop.

Full Electrification of Route 4 

STA made Route 4 – Monroe-Regal fully electric with 10 dedicated electric buses.

Near-term Plans

We’ve made significant strides towards a zero emissions fleet, but there’s still more to be done. Our journey continues as we work towards a cleaner, greener future for Spokane.

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.

Launching in 2030, the Division Street BRT project will connect downtown Spokane to Mead with fast, zero-emission bus service. It will feature dedicated lanes, improved accessibility, and new 60-foot battery-electric buses.

Spacious industrial warehouse with high ceilings, bright lighting, and various equipment including red fire safety gear.

We are planning to add more charging stations, a reliable energy supply, and maintenance facilities to support our zero-emission buses. This is part of our Facilities Master Plan to prepare for a fully zero-emission fleet by 2045.

Diagram comparing fuel cell electric vehicle and battery electric vehicle components and energy flow.

We are looking into using Hydrogen Fuel Cell buses to work alongside our existing battery-electric buses. Battery-electric buses get their power from charging stations, while hydrogen fuel cell buses make their own electricity from hydrogen.

By using both types, we can run longer routes and keep buses running even if there’s a power outage. This helps us provide a more reliable and flexible bus service.

STA has also started using R99 Diesel fuel for our regular buses, which is a cleaner alternative to diesel made from renewable sources.

STA's Road to Zero-emissions

2007
2006-2015
2019
2019-2020
2021
2022
2022-2024
2024
2045
A hybrid bus on a bridge with city buildings and a bull sculpture in the background on a clear day.
STA's First Hybrid Electric Bus
STA received its first hybrid bus, replacing traditional diesel buses. It was an important first step in proving the benefits of more fuel-efficient vehicles. STA currently has 15 hybrid coaches in service. Like diesel coaches, they will be replaced when they reach their Useful Life Benchmark (ULB). These hybrids will gradually be phased out for zero-emission vehicles as part of our fleet transition plan.
Cover of "Spokane Streetcar Feasibility Study" featuring streetcars, a transit map, and a proposed streetcar cross-section. March 2006.
Years of Research
STA's commitment to clean energy began with the 2006 Streetcar Feasibility Study, exploring electric streetcars. The 2011 Central City Transit Alternatives Analysis supported zero-emission goals. In 2014, STA amended the Locally Preferred Alternative to include electric vehicles, leading to the City Line route. The 2015 Alternate Fuel Evaluation solidified the move to battery-electric buses. To this day, these studies form the bedrock of our Zero-emission Transition efforts.
Diagram comparing Fuel Cell Electric Bus and Battery Electric Bus power supply systems.
Planning the Switch
STA partnered with a transit consulting firm to conduct a feasibility study of battery-electric buses' performance on STA's routes. This study helped shape STA's zero-emission Fleet Transition Plan.
A large, well-lit bus depot with several buses parked inside undergoing maintenance and repairs.
Infrastructure Projects
In 2019, STA completed the construction of the Boone Northwest Garage, which now houses all of STA's electric vehicle fleet and its charging infrastructure. In 2020, STA undertook upgrades to its charging infrastructure by selecting an external company to design and install new charging stations.
A blue battery-electric bus is parked at a stop with several people waiting to board.
Pilot Programs and Decisions
In 2021, we launched a battery-electric bus pilot program, receiving our first four battery-electric buses to test in real-world conditions. The program was successful, and these buses are still servicing Route 4 today. Additionally, in 2021, the STA Executive team recommended further electrification for other Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes to the Board of Directors. This led to the approval of electrifying the Division BRT route.
Completed Battery-Electric Bus Charging Infrastructure
With the charging infrastructure complete, STA was able to start using battery-electric buses in regular service.
Several passengers are seated on a bus, some looking out the windows, while others are engaged in conversation.
Rollout of STA's Zero Emissions Fleet to Key Routes
From 2022 to 2024, we made significant strides in our zero-emissions journey. In 2022, we deployed our first four battery-electric buses on the Monroe-Regal Route. In 2023, we launched 11 battery-electric buses on the new City Line, making it the first five-door all-electric Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route in the US. By 2024, we had fully electrified Route 4 with ten battery-electric buses, establishing our first fully electrified High-Performance Transit (HPT) route.
A group of buses parked inside a large, well-lit garage with numbered yellow signs overhead.
Expanded Electric Bus Fleet and Enhanced Charging Infrastructure
In 2024, STA achieved two major milestones. First was achieving a fleet of 40 battery-electric buses, continuing to replace older diesel coaches. STA also completed upgrades to the Boone Northwest Garage, doubling its charging capacity to support future fleet expansion.
A blue bus at an empty parking lot near intersection with trees, grass, and buildings in the background on a sunny day.
A 100% Zero-emission Fleet
STA aims to make all its fleet zero-emissions by 2045. As diesel coaches age out, we will replace them with Zero Emission Buses. The mix of Battery Electric Buses and Fuel Cell Electric (Hydrogen) Buses will depend on factors like technology, laws, and available funding.

Documents

Board-Approved Fleet Transition Plan 2024

Download a copy of STA's plan to switch all buses to zero-emission vehicles by 2045.

Contact

For questions or comments about our Zero Emission Transition contact Christian Bigger, Fleet Transition Manager

Email the Fleet Transition Manager
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