SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane Transit Authority released findings Friday from its investigation into a January crash involving a double-decker bus that struck a railroad viaduct, injuring seven passengers and causing damage exceeding $450,000, according to the agency’s investigation report.
The accident occurred Jan. 18 when the bus hit the Cedar Street viaduct between First and Second avenues, STA said. The viaduct clearance was 12 feet, while the bus measured 13 feet, 6 inches tall, according to the report.
The investigation found the operator traveled on an incorrect route and failed to report navigation system problems or verify the route using required materials, STA said. Navigation system software defects from a third-party vendor contributed to the crash, though STA’s data input was accurate, according to the report.
“We know transparency into the circumstances behind this unfortunate accident are important for our community,” said STA CEO Karl Otterstrom. “We take responsibility for the safety of our riders, employees, and the community seriously.”
The operator, a five-year STA employee, was placed on administrative leave, the agency said. Investigators found no evidence of impairment or fatigue, according to the report.
STA temporarily removed its double-decker fleet from service following the accident. The buses returned to service Feb. 21 after additional safety protocols were implemented, according to STA.
The agency implemented mandatory training for operators, standardized safety procedures at low-clearance locations, and disabled computer-aided dispatch routing across its fleet, STA said.
A link to the summary of key findings, as well as remedial actions, can be found here: https://www.spokanetransit.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Cedar-St-Viaduct-Accident-Investigation-Key-Findings-and-Remediations.pdf
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