Cheney, WA – Spokane Transit Authority (STA) will mark the official launch of its brand-new double-decker buses with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, September 20, on the campus of Eastern Washington University (EWU). The event will commemorate the first day of double-decker service for riders between Cheney and downtown Spokane, and a historic milestone in regional transit service.
The event will take place at Eagle Station (850 Elm St.) at 12:00 PM, featuring remarks from EWU President Shari McMahan, Cheney Mayor and STA Board Member Chris Grover, and STA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Karl Otterstrom. Attendees will have the opportunity to board and tour one of the new buses before it enters regular service immediately following the ceremony.
“These double-decker buses represent Spokane Transit’s continued commitment to innovation, sustainability, and enhanced rider experience,” said Karl Otterstrom, STA CEO. “We’re eager to welcome our community aboard a new era of public transportation.”
Following the ribbon cutting, double decker service officially starts from Cheney at 12:37 PM and from Spokane at 1:07 PM on Route 6. Coinciding with EWU’s first home football game of the year, special 15-minute service will be available from approximately 2 PM to 4 PM and after the game from 7 PM to 8 PM.
To encourage attendees to cheer on the Eagles while also enjoying the convenience of one of the new double deckers, riders boarding to Cheney from either the Jefferson Park & Ride (410 S Jefferson St.) or West Plains Transit Center (10810 Westbow Rd.) will receive a cross-branded EWU/STA promotional item (while supplies last). Parking at STA park and rides is always free; standard bus fare is $2 for adults and good for two hours. Youth 18 and younger ride free.
“STA’s partnership with Eastern to support university commuters is extensive, dating back to the so-called “magic bus” service of the early 1970s” said Otterstrom. “We are excited to reveal a whole new kind of magic with these double-decker buses just in time for the first home game and the start of fall quarter. We hope everyone has a chance to experience them for themselves.”
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
- Time: 12:00 PM
- Location: Eagle Station – 850 Elm St., Cheney, WA
The program will be followed by light refreshments. Full schedule details for service on Saturday, September 20, can be found on STA’s web page on the Double Deckers.
