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Pullman Transit highlights airport service, returns to late-night service in 2024
Summary
Pullman Transit told the City Council its 2024 highlights include expansion to serve every flight at Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport, a return to midnight service during semesters, an ongoing electric-bus purchase program and a planned $20 million transit facility in the capital plan.
Pullman Transit reported to the Pullman City Council on Oct. 14 that the agency expanded service in 2024 to cover every flight at Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport and restored late-night service during Washington State University semesters.
Wayne Thompson, Pullman Transit manager, said the airport expansion began in May 2024 and that the system returned to midnight service in August. He told council members the system operates year-round core service from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, runs five fixed routes, provides paratransit van service, and scales up to community-plus service during WSU semesters when buses run until midnight.
The transit manager said the agency employs 28 drivers, six dispatchers, four bus washers and a small management team. Fares remain $1 for a bus ride and 80 cents for dial-a-ride vans; youth rides have been fare-free since 2022 and WSU students and faculty ride under a prepaid UTAP contract tied to their university ID.
Thompson summarized 2024 capital and planning highlights: purchase approval for the last three electric buses in the current grant cycle, grant awards for two additional electric buses, increased staffing to support airport service, and a facility master-plan recommendation for either expanding or replacing the existing facility. He said the Transit Development Plan includes a $20 million facility in its capital forecast and that, on the schedule shown in the report, the transit fund would run a projected deficit if the facility proceeds as currently timed.
Thompson said the agency intends to continue ADA-compliant fixed-route and paratransit service, participate in the regional transportation planning organization and pursue clean-fuel options beyond battery-electric buses. He also said the transit capital program typically relies on about an 80% grant/20% local match for buses and follows roughly a two-year replacement cycle for bus purchases.
Council members asked about regional connectivity and service to areas outside the city limits. Thompson said Pullman Transit participates in the local RTPO and that any service beyond city limits would be a major change requiring internal adjustments—he noted priorities such as restoring a 30-minute headway on core routes and serving unconnected parts of town before expanding service area. Other council comments praised staff planning, bus stop shelters and continued support for routes serving the Community Action Center.
The public hearing on the Transit Development Plan drew no public speakers; Thompson said he will incorporate council feedback and return in early November with a final plan.
