The Summer Pass 2021 Pilot Program has ended.
Youth took 70,300+ free trips using the Summer Pass in 2021 and over 3,400 passes were distributed!
Passes are deactivated as of the end of service, September 15, 2021.
Summer Pass
In June 2021, Spokane Transit Authority (STA) launched a new region-wide pilot program to provide students with a way to access summer fun: the STA Summer Pass.
The STA Summer Pass provided unlimited transportation to youth ages 6-18 or students enrolled in school up to and including grade 12 who displayed or swiped the STA Summer Pass card when boarding an STA bus or Paratransit van between June 15 and September 15, 2021.
The goal of the pilot program was to increase access to public transit for youth, to develop future public transit users, and to allow youth access to great free or discounted programs available in the region.
Summer Pass FAQs
Who is eligible for an STA Summer Pass?
Any youth ages 6-18 or students enrolled in school up to and including grade 12. Students in grades 9-12 will need to show proof of age or grade when picking up the STA Summer Pass. This pass is open to all students in grade 12 and below regardless of where they live.
Where do I get the STA Summer Pass?
STA has partnered with Spokane Public Libraries, Spokane County Libraries and the Liberty Lake Municipal Library for pass distribution. Visit your nearest library to pick up your STA Summer Pass. For grades 9-12 be sure to bring your state or student ID.
Does the student need to show a student ID?
Students in grades 9-12 will need to show proof of age or grade when picking up the STA Summer Pass. Accepted forms of identification are a state or school ID card, or any document that shows proof of age or grade.
When can students get an STA Summer Pass?
Passes will be available for distribution starting June 15; the passes are active until September 15, 2021.
When the pass is active?
The STA Summer Pass will be available for pick-up at your nearest library beginning June 15. The pass is valid for use between June 15-September 15, 2021.
How do I use the pass?
Youth will need to swipe their STA Summer Pass on the fare validator when boarding the bus. If a card is malfunctioning, just show the operator the pass
Is there a cost for the STA Summer Pass?
No, it is free.
How do I plan a trip?
Visit STA’s trip planner to get started!
Can High School Seniors get a pass?
Yes, high school seniors can get a pass. They can use the pass through the summer after their senior year.
Do students have to return the card at the end of the summer?
No, there is no need for the passes to be returned.
How many Spokane Youth Cards are available?
Initially, 15,000 passes have been ordered, but more can be ordered.
Will we order more passes if we run out?
We will watch the inventory closely in the first few days of availability. We will order more if we anticipate demand will outpace supply.
Can a parent pick up an STA Summer Pass for their youth without the youth being present?
No, the youth must be present to get the pass.
What do I do if my pass malfunctions?
If the pass does not read when swiped on the farebox, the operator will do a visual check of the pass and allow the youth on the bus.
Can I get a new pass if I lost my pass?
As long as there is still inventory available, you can get a new pass at your nearest library.
Will my pass work on paratransit vans?
Yes, you can use the STA Summer Pass on paratransit vans but eligibility for paratransit must be determined prior to scheduling a trip.
Will any personal identifying information be recorded?
No. Only the Library branch, grade, district and school name of the student will be recorded for data analysis purposes.
COVID and Safety FAQs
What are COVID safety practices and requirements?
Masks are required for any rider ages 2 and older on all STA vans, buses and at all facilities. Additionally, all paratransit vans and buses are disinfected daily as well as high touch points are disinfected throughout the day. If possible, please spread out to empty sections within the bus. Stay positioned well behind the driver and the yellow line at the boarding area. Cover your mouth if you sneeze or cough and wash your hands often. If you feel sick, stay home.
What safety and security features does STA have?
Operators and Customer Service Representatives are trained and available to assist with way finding questions and/or issues. For our customers’ safety and security, activities at The Plaza and on and around STA buses and vans may be visually and audibly recorded. STA Security patrols all STA facilities and are available to assist in emergency situations.
Has Spokane Transit made any changes to their cleaning practices and are there plans to clean buses more often?
Yes. Our agency updated its vehicle cleaning procedures to include daily disinfecting of all our buses and facilities.
What are you doing to prevent Spokane Transit employees from spreading illness?
STA has held a series of ‘All Employee Meetings’ where employees were updated about the daily disinfecting of all buses and paratransit vans. They were also made aware of Personal Protection Equipment available to them through their various departments. Lastly, they were provided with safety information from the Spokane Regional Health District about ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
What can riders do to help prevent the spread of illness?
Spokane Transit has been sharing guidance from Spokane Regional Health District to help prevent the spread of coronavirus:
- Stay home when sick. Staying home when ill prevents the spread of infections to others.
- Use good respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene in all community settings, including homes, childcare facilities, schools, workplaces and other places where people gather. Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and put the used tissue in a wastebasket. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
- Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (with at least 60-95% alcohol) if you can’t wash.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth: Germs often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.
- Practice other good health habits: Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.
What should riders do if they have concerns or observe a bus that needs attention?
There are some situations that might warrant additional cleaning. If you have concerns or observe a bus or vehicle that needs attention, we urge you to call 328-RIDE (7433) and, if possible, provide the bus route and number.
Do you have signs in buses about covering coughs and sneezes?
Yes. We have recorded announcements and placed posters in all of our buses reminding people how to help stop the spread of illness. One of the reminders on the poster is cover coughs and sneezes.
