Transportation proposals aim to link cities
SANDPOINT — A new set of transportation proposals could bring Idaho and Washington cities closer than ever before.
According to Clif Warren, the District 1 mobility manager for the Community Transportation Association of Idaho, an upcoming meeting set for this Friday will introduce residents to some proposed intercity bus routes that could make public travel a whole lot easier. The meeting will take place from 12-2 p.m. at the Transportation Information Office, 202 North Second Ave., Suite B.
Two different routes will be the stars of the meeting.
The first, proposed by Special Mobility Services to operate out of Sandpoint, promises to be a favorite for frequent travelers with its dual functionality. First, it connects Priest River residents to Sandpoint, who can then use the SPOT bus system to access all the hot locations within the region. Secondly, it gives Panhandle residents access to Newport and the Spokane airport.
The route is proposed to run twice a day on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Suggested fares are a bargain by any standard, running $1.50 for Sandpoint to Priest River, 50 cents for Priest River to Newport, $3.00 for Newport to Spokane and $5 for Sandpoint to Spokane. According to Warren, route operators hope to be rolling by the end of the year.
“This would be a great connection and an excellent value,” Warren said. “You can’t even get to Sagle from Sandpoint for $5.”
The second proposed route currently has two service providers vying for the operation: Salt Lake Express and Northwestern Trailways. It will run north to south from Bonners Ferry to Coeur d’Alene and Boise, hitting all the major stops along the way. The route will likely feature twice-a-day service and run seven days a week, 365 days a year. Salt Lake Express representatives predicts the average ticket cost would run $35, while Northwestern Trailways officials estimate a fare between 25 and 30 cents per mile. Warren said service providers hope to be in business by October.
The presence of both routes stand to add significant connectivity between nearby cities, with the Spokane airport to Sandpoint connection providing easy and cheap access to international travel. Warren advises curious individuals to attend the information meeting this Friday.