West Plains Transit Center (phase one)

The West Plains Transit Center, located at Exit 272 along I-90, will address several transportation issues on the West Plains. Currently, transit customers are required to travel to Downtown Spokane to make a connection between any of the cities on the West Plains. This transit center will allow customers to change buses on the West Plains and it will include a park and ride for commuters that utilizes existing service between Spokane and Cheney efficiently. 

Background

As part of the STA Moving Forward planning study, STA initiated a project to evaluate a transit center that would improve connectivity in the West Plains area, provide transit access to residential areas to the south of I-90, and increase productivity on routes in the area. The West Plains Transit Center is an important step in the implementation of the High Performance Transit (HPT) Network.

The West Plains Transit Center will provide riders with the following:

• Approximately 200 spaces in a new Park and Ride lot

• Passenger loading platforms to accommodate multiple West Plains connecting services with I-90 transit services, including intercity buses.

• Real-time bus departure information

• Landscaping, lighting, shelters and other transit amenities
  

Benefits

• Improved direct connectivity between the Airway Heights, Medical Lake and Cheney, alleviating the need to connect via downtown Spokane.

• Increased efficiency of existing services.

• 1.1 million fewer annual vehicle miles and 95,000 fewer vehicle trips by the fourth year.

• Accommodates future HPT vehicles that will expedite travel through increased frequency, prepaid and faster boarding, and dedicated lanes.  

Stakeholder Outreach

Stakeholder outreach was a major component of this project. Two policy and technical design groups were formed to provide input into major decisions regarding the project

Public Outreach

Extensive public outreach was conducted as a part of the STA Moving Forward planning process in 2012, the results of which identified the Spokane to Cheney corridor as a top candidate for a High Performance Transit (HPT) Network and an ideal location for a transit center.

In the years since then, multiple open houses and extensive public outreach have confirmed the need for a transit center and a commuter park and ride in the West Plains.

What’s Next?

Construction on the West Plains Transit Center began in the summer of 2017, and is expected to be completed in 2018.

Phase two will facilitate service allowing West Plains residents to travel between cities on the West Plains without having to travel downtown.