My student lives inside the walk boundary radius and was able to ride the bus before. Why are they no longer eligible to ride the bus?
Previously, some neighborhoods had areas designated as hazardous zones if infrastructure did not provide a safe walking route to school. In recent years, many of these neighborhoods received infrastructure improvements, including crosswalks, sidewalks, and street design improvements. Because of increased safety measures in your neighborhood and a new safe walking route, your area is no longer a hazardous zone.
Why does my student have a new stop?
SPS consolidated some bus stops to increase the efficiency of routes by reducing the number of neighborhood stops.
Why did the walk zone increase for middle and high school students?
In response to the national bus driver shortage, the SPS Board of Directors supported expanding the middle and high school walk boundary to a 1.5-mile radius to allow for more efficient routes, better on-time arrival, and to establish routes to better utilize available capacity per bus, which will minimize learning minute loss and ensure all students arrive safely and on time. We found this distance to be consistent with bus eligibility boundaries for secondary students in other districts across the state and country.
Was the walk zone increased for elementary students?
No. The walk zone boundary remains a 1-mile radius for elementary students.
Who do I call if I want to express concerns about an incident on an STA bus?
Please contact STA at 509-328-RIDE (7433).
What are the rules on an STA bus?
Please visit www.spokanetransit.com/about-sta/rules-of-conduct/ for information about appropriate conduct while using STA transportation.
