SPOKANE, Wash. – Spokane Transit Authority (STA) is nearing the completion of its investigation into a that hit a viaduct, injuring seven passengers.
STA representatives confirmed that the bus is going to be repaired and will eventually return to service. However, there is no specific timeline for when these repairs will be completed, with STA estimating it will take several months.
The investigation’s outcome will be detailed in a comprehensive report covering nearly every aspect of the incident. As of now, STA has not disclosed whether the bus driver is still employed or will be allowed to drive again.
In the meantime, drivers of the remaining double-decker buses have undergone training without passengers, focusing on safety measures in place before the crash along with new protocols. These additional measures include a mandatory safety stop before viaducts and communication with dispatch for verbal confirmation.
Brandon Rapez-Betty from STA explained the new safety protocol.
“Any viaduct would be stopping, but the only authorized viaduct is Jefferson Street. And any time a double-decker bus is found to be off route for any reason, the operator will be required to stop, radio communicate with dispatch to get further instruction on where to progress safely,” Rapez-Betty said.
STA announced that double-decker buses will resume carrying passengers on Saturday.
