News Roundup 5/19/14

Ben Franklin Transit & Spokane Transit Authority

Coach Operators Win Big at the APTA Bus Roadeo
Eastern Washington came up big this year at APTA 2014 Bus Roadeo as they took home 1st place victories in both the 35-foot and 40-foot divisions. Gabe Beliz from BFT took 1st place in the 35-foot division, besting 17 other coach operators from across the country. The competition in the 40-foot division was much fiercer, as Gabe Fernos from STA took 1st place while Daniel Schmidt from BFT took 2nd place just 5 points behind amongst a group of 53 coach operators. I’ve said it a few times already, but I’ll say it again: Congratulations, and great job guys!

Valley Transit

Fare-Free Service Coming Back This Summer
For the first time since 2007, Walla Walla and College Place bus riders won’t have to pay bus fares all summer. Running from June 1st to September 1st, all Valley Transit services (except the Job Access service) will be free of charge. The first time Valley Transit did this in 2006, ridership jumped up 57%, with the following year seeing a 25% spike.

Yakima Valley Trolleys

2014 Operating Season Starts 5/24
Summer is in the air, which means that the trolleys are going to be running again in Yakima this season. Trolleys will run on the Pine Street line from 10AM – 3PM on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. The big news for the 2014 Operating Season is the full reintroduction of service on the Selah line, which before the centennial run last operated more than 8 years prior after copper thieves stole the wire along the line. As of now, YVT plans to run service on the Selah line with a trolley powered by a tow-along motor generator, as not all the wire has been replaced on the line. Departures from the trolley barn for the Selah line are tentatively scheduled at 10AM, 12PM, and 2PM. They recommend checking their website to double-check the schedule, as the plans are subject to change. You can also find more information on fares and even membership on their website, or you can always call them at (509) 249-5962.

*Memorial Day Schedules*

In observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 26, most agencies will not be running service. (If your agency is not listed, information was not available at the time of posting.)

Asotin County Transit: No Service (This includes Lewiston Transit as well.)
Ben Franklin Transit: No Service
Link Transit: No Service
Pullman Transit: Holiday Service (North Route and South Route only from 9AM-4:30PM.)
Spokane Transit Authority: Sunday Schedules
Valley Transit: No Service
Yakima Transit: No Service