SPOKANE, Wash. — The Spokane Transit Authority is implementing new measures to protect passengers almost a week after a double-decker bus hit an overpass in downtown Spokane.
Until the million-dollar buses are back on the streets and the changes are made, riders may have to endure crowded buses on some routes.
STA says it will retrain operators on their routes and look into a possible software-related issue that could have alerted the driver before they hit the viaduct.
Just a week after the incident, STA is implementing new safety measures. The agency says in the future, double-decker bus drivers will be required to make a safety stop before proceeding under railroad viaducts.
STA also says drivers will have to verbally acknowledge their route with dispatch before operating a double-decker bus in downtown Spokane.
The navigation software has been disabled for the double-decker fleet, so operators will need to rely on their required knowledge of assigned routes, which is already required through agency training.
Riders say they would still be comfortable riding the double-deckers, especially after these changes.
“It’s a really good system. I love the public transit system in Spokane,” said Finn Gerhardt, a frequent bus rider. “And I think they will do the work that they have to do. I hope that the people involved were fired.”
“Definitely more aware now because I usually actually take that bus and I just happen to not be on it that day,” said Elizabeth Matiska, a frequent bus rider. “So definitely, more wanting to sit on the lower deck now, but, not scared.”
Another rider expressed confidence in returning to the double-decker buses.
“I feel like it was kind of a one-off incident. It seems like it was the driver’s fault, mostly from what I’ve heard, so I would feel comfortable getting back on a double-decker bus. No problem,” the rider said.
The STA CEO wrote in a statement as their investigation continues: “We are confident that our double-decker buses are operationally safe to return to service, and we will continue to take a disciplined, cautious approach as the review moves forward.”
There’s still no word on when the double-decker buses will return to service.
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