Third-party review backs STA double-decker bus collision investigation

After a collision of a double-decker bus with a railroad viaduct above Cedar Street between First and Second Avenues on Jan. 18, 2026, Spokane Transit Authority (STA) says it investigated the incident in accordance with its federally required public transportation agency safety plan (PTASP). The agency notes that key findings of that investigation were shared publicly in March before the investigation was reopened, with a commitment to conduct a third-party review of STA’s process.

Reese Safety Management, LLC, was engaged by STA to conduct an independent review of its safety response and investigative process. In addition to the independent review, firm principal Reginald Reese assisted with identifying and developing a corrective action plan (CAP) that identifies steps STA is taking to avoid similar incidents in the future.

Through the review, Reese Safety Management confirmed the investigation by STA, including facets completed after March 23, 2026, is consistent with the agency’s PTASP and was not deficient. According to the firm, the additional information discovered at the conclusion of the reopened investigation did not change the final determination of that investigation.

STA’s reopened investigation identified additional findings:

Gaps existed in the tracking and escalation of reported issues to dispatch, which may have limited STA’s identification of system anomalies prior to the incident. An off-route alert configuration issue limited automated notifications to dispatch. STA notes it has taken further steps in addition to implementing the recommendations in the CAP. To ensure continued transparency, the PTASP is now available online on STA’s website. The agency notes that a consultant is working with operations staff to evaluate and recommend enhancements to operational and communications procedures. Additionally, STA says it has strengthened internal capabilities to detect and remedy software issues as they arise.

“We thank the community for their patience while the independent review was completed,” said STA CEO Karl Otterstrom. “We are actively implementing the suggestions as outlined in the corrective action plan and also extend our thanks to Mr. Reese for his efforts.”

The damaged bus remains out of service, though the repair process is expected to begin soon, as the ordered parts have started to arrive. The process is expected to take several months.

Third-party review backs STA double-decker bus collision investigation

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