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STA staff outlines phased approach for Division Street bus rapid transit as state funding and North Spokane Corridor schedules shift
Summary
STA planning staff said the Ruby Division BRT project may be delivered in phases so the public benefits arrive sooner amid state transportation budget shortfalls and a pause or delay on the North Spokane Corridor (NSC) schedule.
Carl Otterstrom, chief planning and development officer at Spokane Transit Authority (STA), told the Transportation Commission the Division Street (Ruby) bus rapid transit project remains a priority but STA is analyzing a phased delivery approach because of state budget pressures and uncertainties about the North Spokane Corridor schedule.
Otterstrom said Washington’s transportation outlook shows a multibillion‑dollar shortfall that is affecting multiple projects statewide. He described a programmatic commitment of $50 million from Move Ahead Washington in 2022, funded by Climate Commitment Act dollars, but said some project components are tied to the NSC’s planned traffic and capacity changes.
Given a pause in contracting and a larger statewide funding shortfall, Otterstrom said STA is “exploring a phasing strategy” that would deliver high‑value elements of the Division BRT sooner rather than waiting for the NSC to be complete. He emphasized the goal remains to deliver the full vision for the Division BRT but said phasing could allow early transit benefits and reduce the risk of losing programmed funds if the project stalls at the state or federal level.
Commissioners and staff asked technical questions about whether delivering sections of BRT now could preclude later completion or raise costs; Otterstrom said the project team will refine phasing options with engineering consultants and present a recommended framework in April and a more detailed proposal in May. He suggested the commission could be asked to endorse a phasing strategy or provide formal feedback before any council action.
STA and city staff said the phasing discussion is motivated by a desire to maximize early public benefit while protecting the long‑term commitment to the project’s full buildout.
No formal action was taken; the item was presented as a workshop and staff indicated they will return with a refined phasing program for review.
