2025/2026 Colville Confederated Tribes
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2025/2026 Colville Confederated Tribes
Transit Needs Assessment
Authored by Colville Confederated Tribes Department of Transportation
Funded by Washington State Department of Transportation
(WSDOT) Consolidated Grant
May 2026
COLVILLE CONFEDERATED TRIBES TRANSIT NEEDS ASSESSMENT
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Contents
Abstract ............................................................................................................................... 4
Current Tribal Transit Operations ....................................................................................... 8
Inchelium-Nespelem Route ............................................................................................ 9
Inchelium-Colville Route.............................................................................................. 11
Current Transit Vehicles ................................................................................................ 13
Current Transit Driver Staffing ..................................................................................... 14
Current Transit Administrative Offices ......................................................................... 15
Current Transit Funding ................................................................................................ 16
Transit Needs Survey Responses by District .................................................................... 18
Inchelium Survey Responses (40) ................................................................................ 19
Keller Survey Responses (19) ....................................................................................... 26
Nespelem Survey Responses (56) ................................................................................. 32
Omak Survey Responses (20) ....................................................................................... 44
Conclusions ....................................................................................................................... 50
Current Operations ........................................................................................................ 50
Common Survey Responses from All Districts ............................................................ 50
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Abstract
Transportation service gaps and deserts seemed significant enough for Colville Confederated
Tribes’ Department of Transportation (CCT DOT) to seek grant funding to identify how to
address transportation barriers throughout and connecting to the Colville Reservation. CCT
DOT was awarded funding from Washington State Department of Transportation's (WSDOT's)
Consolidated Grant program. The project for which CCT DOT received funding was designed
as a three pronged approach to public transportation planning. The three related transit planning
efforts in the grant were described as: gather information for a transit needs assessment, develop
a transit hub feasibility study, and establish an asset management program.
Keywords: transit, feasibility, needs
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COLVILLE CONFEDERATED TRIBES TRANSIT NEEDS ASSESSMENT
2025/2026 Colville Confederated Tribes Transit Needs Assessment
The first step in the transit needs assessment was gathering information about travel
needs from persons living, working, or visiting places within the reservation boundaries of the
Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation (CTCR) including Tribal properties. The
Colville Reservation is separated into four political districts. In order to understand if Tribal
transit may greatly assist vulnerable populations in each of the four Districts on the reservation,
customary planning steps were taken. CCT DOT developed and promoted reservation-wide
surveys in each District to gather needs and identify gaps in services.
Posters with an active survey link and a QR code were developed for each District.
Inchelium District Transit Needs Survey was the first shared on the CCT DOT webpage and
broadcast through the CTCR email system on August 25, 2025. Within days the announcement
poster was shared to internal partners (emailed to each department director), to external partners
and stakeholders (emailed to local and county governments, and regional agencies), and
physically posted in the community at logical gathering spots. Periodic gentle reminders were
broadcast through the CTCR email system until the survey closed on September 30, 2025. The
same process was used for the Keller District (survey ran from September 9, 2025 to October 9,
2025; the Nespelem District (survey ran from October 6, 2025 to November 6, 2025); and the
Omak District (survey ran from October 23, 2025 to November 13, 2025).
This document reviews the Tribal transit current operations and presents responses
received from each District, which will inform the next step of the transit analysis - a transit
market study which explores the feasibility of expanding the transit program to cover the needs
identified during outreach.
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Current Tribal Transit Operations
The Tribal transit administrative office is located in Inchelium, WA at 267 Gifford Ferry
Road. The CCT Tribal transit program has an Inchelium Ferry/Transit Program Manager, a
Transit Coordinator, and two transit drivers. The transit vehicles are located at the administrative
office.
Tribal transit reports two statistics to Washington State Department of Transportation
(WSDOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on an annual basis. The statistics
represent a combination of the two routes, and are:
Vehicle Revenue Miles (VRM) The total miles traveled by transit vehicles while in
active service carrying, or scheduled to carry, passengers. This includes
layover/recovery time, but excludes time traveling to and from the garage, operator
training, and maintenance testing.
Vehicle Revenue Hours (VRH) The measure of the time and distance a transit vehicle
travels while available to carry fare-free passengers, including layover/recovery time
but excludes time traveling to and from the garage, operator training, and
maintenance testing. This is used to calculate operational efficiency (cost per hour).
In 2025, CTCR Tribal transit reported: VRM = 58,775; and VRH = 1,689.
Tribal transit operates two routes. Both routes originate in Inchelium. One route
provides service between Inchelium and Nespelem, and the second route provides service
between Inchelium and Colville, WA.
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Inchelium-Nespelem Route
Tribal transit’s Inchelium to Nespelem route customarily runs Monday through Thursday
except on Holidays, or Administrative Leave days as announced by the office of the Tribe’s
Executive Director.
The morning Inchelium to Nespelem route starts at 5:30 AM at the Buttercup Lane
administrative building in Inchelium, makes 5 intermediate stops, and arrives at the Lucy F.
Covington government center in Nespelem by 6:50 AM. The morning return trip to Inchelium
makes the same 5 intermediate stops, and arrives at the Buttercup Lane administrative building
by 8:40 AM.
Table 1. Inchelium to Nespelem - AM Loop Route
Inchelium to Nespelem - AM Loop Route
Bus Stop Location
Time
I-10 Buttercup Lane administration building 5:25 AM
I-11 Inchelium sub-agency
I-12 Inchelium Trading Post
5:30 AM
I-13 Seylor Valley/Bridge Creek intersection 5:35 AM
I-14 Twin Lakes tavern parking lot
5:45 AM
I-15 The Pines
I-21 Lucy F. Covington government center
6:50 AM
I-23 Tribal courts/corrections
7:00 AM
I-15 The Pines
I-14 Twin Lakes tavern parking lot
8:15 AM
I-13 Seylor Valley/Bridge Creek intersection
I-12 Inchelium Trading Post
8:30 AM
I-11 Inchelium sub-agency
I-10 Buttercup Lane administration building 8:40 AM
During the evening Inchelium to Nespelem route, the trip departs the Inchelium Trading
Post at 3:00 PM, arrives at the Lucy F. Covington government center by 5:35 PM and returns to
the Buttercup Lane administrative building by 6:30 PM.
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Table 2. Inchelium to Nespelem - PM Loop Route
Inchelium to Nespelem - PM Loop Route
Bus Stop Location
I-12 Inchelium Trading Post
I-13 Seylor Valley/Bridge Creek intersection
I-14 Twin Lakes tavern parking lot
I-15 The Pines
I-19 Chief Joseph rest stop
I-23 Tribal courts/corrections
I-21 Lucy F. Covington government center
I-15 The Pines
I-14 Twin Lakes tavern parking lot
I-13 Seylor Valley/Bridge Creek intersection
I-12 Inchelium Trading Post
I-11 Inchelium sub-agency
I-10 Buttercup Lane administration building
Time
3:00 PM
4:20 PM
5:30 PM
5:35 PM
6:15 PM
6:20 PM
6:30 PM
Inchelium-Colville Route
Tribal transit’s Inchelium to Colville route customarily runs Tuesday and Thursday
except on Holidays, or Administrative Leave days as announced by the office of the Tribe’s
Executive Director.
The morning Inchelium to Colville route starts at 6:30 AM at the Trading Post in
Inchelium, makes 3 intermediate stops, and arrives at the Walmart center in Colville by 8:00 AM.
The morning return trip to Inchelium leaves Walmart at 9:15 AM.
Table 3. Inchelium to Colville - AM Route
Inchelium to Colville - AM Route
Location
Inchelium Trading Post
Noisy Waters gas station
Kettle Falls - Goldline bus stop
Colville Rural Resources - Goldline bus stop
Colville Walmart
Depart Walmart for Inchelium
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Time
6:30 AM
7:10 AM
7:30 AM
7:50 AM
8:00 AM
9:15 AM
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During the afternoon Inchelium to Colville route, the trip departs the Inchelium Trading
Post at 12:55 PM, arrives at the Walmart center by 2:05 PM and departs from Walmart back to
Inchelium at 2:15 PM.
Table 4. Inchelium to Colville - AM Route
Inchelium to Colville - PM Route
Location
Time
Inchelium Trading Post
12:55 PM
Noisy Waters gas station
1:35 PM
Kettle Falls - Goldline bus stop
1:45 PM
Colville Rural Resources - Goldline bus stop 2:00 PM
Colville Walmart
2:05 PM
Depart Walmart for Inchelium
2:15PM
Current Transit Vehicles
Currently, Tribal transit uses a 15-seat shuttle to provide service between Inchelium and
Nespelem. The shuttle was purchased in 2018, has a wheelchair lift, and provides some storage
space, but provides no bicycle rack.
For the Inchelium to Colville service, Tribal transit uses a 7-seat minivan purchased in
2021 with some storage space, no ADA features, and no bicycle rack.
There are two back-up vehicles and one administrative car currently in service. The 5seat car purchased in 2019 is not used to transport transit riders. One of the back-up vehicles is a
2017 shuttle in Transit’s inventory which lacks ADA features, storage, and a bicycle rack. The
other back-up vehicle is a new (2025) transit van which was recently added to Tribal transit’s
inventory and will replace either the shuttle or back-up shuttle when the useful life benchmark
calls for replacement of one or the other.
Tribal transit is processing eight other vehicles with manufacturing years ranging
between 2007 and 2018 as surplus. Removal of the surplus vehicles will reduce clutter and
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allow Tribal transit to maximize the protected storage space they are creating with a capital
fencing and security project.
Tribal transit vehicle maintenance is recorded in a maintenance log which is based on the
owner’s manual for each vehicle. All maintenance is performed by a certified mechanic at one
of two locations: Colville Tire and Jackson’s Service Station.
Transit vehicle inventory is being incorporated in the CCT DOT asset management
system. The 2026 fencing, lighting, and security enhancements should reduce the number and
frequency of vehicle gasoline theft that has become prevalent since the end of the COVID-19
pandemic.
Current Transit Driver Staffing
According to the Tribal transit approved organizational chart, to be fully staffed, transit
should have two drivers to cover the two routes and provide one alternate driver to cover timeoff for the two route drivers. There are a few certification levels for transit drivers. Because
transit drivers’ training is extensive and specialized, Tribal transit has had at least one vacant
position and has operated without a full driving staff for 5 years.
Mandatory state and federal transit driver standards include passing a DOT physical
exam (medical card), drug screenings, a background check, and completing entry-level driver
training which includes a passenger endorsement and may require a Commercial Learner’s
Permit (CLP) or Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Drivers of the four current transit
vehicles do not require a CDL (Class B or C) because the vehicles hold less than 16 occupants,
however the staff follows FTA Drug and alcohol and Tribal policies. Currently there are two
Tribal transit staff with CDLs; one is the transit coordinator and the other is a shuttle driver.
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Other recommended driver training includes, but is not limited to: Passenger Assistance, Safety
and Sensitivity, ADA Training, and Defensive Driving Course.
In 2025, Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) released the 10-page 2025
Tribal Driver Training Education Engrossed Substitute House Bill (ESHB) 1878 implementation
report. The house bill directed DOL to “expand driver education access for young drivers and to
establish a Tribal driver education partnership program.” Through outreach started in 2025,
DOL has conducted Tribal listening sessions and attended Tribal conferences to gather
information and assist Tribes in identifying barriers to implementing successful Tribal transit
systems with an emphasis on training and funding. The DOL recommendation in the report to
the Washington State Legislature is to assign dedicated funding for implementing ESHB 1878.
As the CTCR awaits legislative action on the ESHB 1878 funding recommended by
DOL, there are some transit driver certification steps which can be completed through the TERO
department at this time. Needed coordination between TERO and Tribal transit to even partially
prepare career paths for future transit drivers may be explored in the feasibility study of
expanding the transit program, which follows this assessment document.
Current Transit Administrative Offices
As mentioned at the beginning of this document, the Tribal transit administrative office is
located in Inchelium, WA at 267 Gifford Ferry Road. Although open to the public during
customary business hours, there are few visits from walk-in customers. CCT DOT received a
Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant which will be partially used to complete an ADA
inventory of transportation facilities and Transition Plan. The Tribal transit administrative
offices property may be included in the assessment and inventory.
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The 60 ft x 80 ft Tribal transit building contains 3 offices, a conference room, two
restrooms, and a maintenance shop. The 2026 maintenance facility updates include:
installing a rectangular perimeter of fencing (125 ft x 180 ft) to create a secured
outdoor parking and storage area,
replace 2 shop doors with 14 ft x 14 ft utility doors,
add a front building cover with rain gutters,
install a HVAC system to the maintenance shop,
construct a wall separating the office space from the maintenance shop, and
installing a security system with lighting and cameras.
With the exception of the administrative car, all vehicles are currently parked overnight
outside of the Tribal transit building in an open yard configuration. The Tribal transit building at
experiences intermittent and unexpected internet and power continuity interruptions, and there is
no emergency generator on site to enhance operations during power outages. In addition to
building phone lines, Tribal transit operations rely on cell phones carried by all staff. Although
there are areas along both routes with no cell service, the areas are known and few.
Current Transit Funding
Tribal transit receives formula federal funding for transit operations, capital
improvements, planning, and administrative expenses through Tribal Transit Formula Program,
49 U.S.C. § 5311(c)(1)(B) (FTA TTP).
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Table 5. Previous three Years of CTCR Tribal transit program funding from FTA TTP
FTA TTP Funding for CTCR Tribal transit program
Year
2023
2024
2025
Total Funding Amount
$176,724
$177,080
$156,412
In addition to this predictable funding source, Tribal transit is eligible to seek competitive
funding from a variety of sources such as:
BIA
USDOT
FTA
National RTAP
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)
Indian Highway Safety Program (IHSP)
Grant funds directly awarded to Tribal transit, which expired or will be expiring this year,
include the 2021 American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act a stimulus signed into law to speed up
COVID-19 pandemic recovery and Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental
Appropriations (CRRSAA) Act funds. Two 2025-2027 bi-ennium WSDOT mobility grants
awarded directly to CTCR Tribal transit, one for operations ($721,459) and one for capital
improvements ($400,000), are set to expire in 2027.
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Transit Needs Survey Responses by District
CCT DOT managed the transit needs surveys, summarized results, shared the survey
results with Tribal transit, the CTCR Tribal Council, communities through presentation at
District meetings in May and June, and authored this assessment. The intention is to hire a
transit market planning firm to use the current conditions of the Tribal transit system and the
gathered survey results to determine the feasibility of expanding the Tribal transit system.
Surveys were available using SurveyMonkey and when requested, questions were printed out,
delivered to community Senior Centers, retrieved, and entered into SurveyMonkey.
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Inchelium Survey Responses (40)
Forty responses for the Inchelium survey were collected between August 25, 2025 and
September 30, 2025. Survey announcements were made via Tribal email distribution, emailed to
WSDOT, counties, cities, towns, and school districts, posted on the CCT DOT webpage, and
announcement posters were laminated and hung in several Inchelium public spaces. Two
reminders were shared using the Tribal email distribution system on September 2, 2025 and
September 9, 2025.
For the Inchelium survey:
Group 1 - The first 5 questions were about demographics and the respondents’
zip codes.
Group 2 - Questions 6-12 were focused on whether, why, how often, and when
Tribal transit is used by respondents.
Group 3 - Questions 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 20, 22, and 23 were true/false questions
about whether current Tribal transit services met the needs of respondents for
time and day of services, desired trip locations, bus stop clarity, and bus
amenities.
Group 4 - Questions 15, 18, 21, and 24 were open-ended questions with write-in
boxes to describe unmet needs for time and day of services, desired trip locations,
bus stop clarity, and bus amenities.
Group 5 - Question 25 asked if the respondent or anyone in the respondent’s
family would benefit from training on how to use or practice using the Tribal
transit system.
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Group 1 results
The only age group not represented by the survey was the Under 18 age bracket
with 36 of the 40 respondents between the ages of 35-65+.
Close to 72% of the respondents were women and 87.5% of the respondents were
members of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.
Only 5% of the respondents did not own and drive a vehicle.
Zip codes provided by respondents included: Chewelah, Coulee Dam, Electric
City, Elmer City, Inchelium, Kettle Falls, Nespelem, Okanogan, and Omak. 65%
of the respondents’ zip code indicated Inchelium.
Group 2 results
Over 20% of the respondents replied that they currently use Tribal transit services
to or from Inchelium.
Of the 10 respondents answering Question 7: 7 replied that they use Tribal transit
for work purposes; 2 responded that their purposes were for social visits with
family or friends; 2 responded that they use Tribal transit for special events; 1
responded that they use Tribal transit for shopping, and 1 responded that they use
Tribal transit for medical or other services (more than one selection could be
chosen).
Of the 16 respondents answering Question 8: 4 responded that they use Tribal
transit between Inchelium and Nespelem daily; 3 responded that they use the
service monthly; and 2 replied that they use the service annually (more than one
selection could be chosen).
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For Question 9: 2 of the 16 respondents said they use Tribal transit between
Inchelium and Colville. One uses the service daily and one uses the service
annually.
Top answers to Question 10 – what method respondents use for checking on
whether Tribal transit service is limited or cancelled, answers included:
o Phone or text
o Message Christine
Whitney
o Text the shuttle driver
o See flyers through
broadcast
announcements
o Facebook
o Message the driver
Top answers to Question 11 – specific routes, times, and direction of travel:
o Inchelium/Nespelem
Morning trip Inchelium to Nespelem 70% of 10 respondents
Evening trip from Nespelem to Inchelium 60% of 10 respondents
For Question 12:
o 1 person uses the Inchelium/Nespelem route to connect to
Omak/Okanogan or beyond direction.
o 1 person uses the Inchelium/Nespelem route to connect to Grand Coulee
or beyond direction.
Group 3 results
Of the 34 respondents of Question 13 (live in Inchelium) answered: 50% stated
the days and times that Tribal transit operates now meet their needs; 32% stated
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they don’t live in Inchelium; and approximately 18% stated the days and times do
not meet their needs.
Of the 34 respondents answering Question 14 (if they work, visit people or places
in Inchelium): 44% stated that the days and times Tribal transit operates meets
their needs; 29% stated that the days and times do not meet their needs, and
approximately 26% stated they don’t work or visit people or places in Inchelium.
Of the 33 respondents answering Question 16 (live in Inchelium): 42% stated that
the locations Tribal transit goes to now meets their needs; over 33% stated they
don’t live in Inchelium; and approximately 24% stated that the locations do not
meet their needs.
Of the 33 respondents answering question 17 (if they work, visit people or places
in Inchelium): approximately 53% stated that the locations that Tribal transit goes
to now meets their needs; approximately 27% answered that the locations do not
meet their needs; and approximately 21% stated they do not work or visit people
or places in Inchelium.
Of the 35 respondents answering Question 19 (live in Inchelium): 51% stated that
Tribal transit bus stops are well marked or well known places; over 31% stated
they don’t live in Inchelium; and approximately 17% stated that the bus stops are
not well marked or known.
Of the 33 respondents answering Question 20 (if they work, visit people or places
in Inchelium): approximately 58% stated that Tribal transit bus stops are well
marked or well known places; 21 % stated they don’t live in Inchelium; and 21%
stated that Tribal transit bus stops are not well marked or known.
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Of 32 respondents answering Question 22 (live in Inchelium): 53% stated that
Tribal transit vehicles have the amenities they need; over 34% stated they don’t
live in Inchelium; and over 12% stated that Tribal transit vehicles don’t have the
amenities they need.
Of 32 respondents answering Question 23(if they work, visit people or places in
Inchelium): approximately 53% stated that Tribal transit vehicles have the
menities they need; 28% stated the vehicles don’t have the amenities they need;
and approximately 19% stated they don’t live in Inchelium.
Group 4 results
Top answers to Question 15: Unmet days or times needs
o Weekends
o Sunday travel
o Need connection to Spokane
o Would like more days and times between Colville and Kettle Falls
o At night after the Inchelium-Gifford Ferry shuts down
o The driver doesn’t stick to the schedule
o Need trips to Spokane and Colville
o Need trips to Keller
o Need to accommodate 4-10s work schedule in Nespelem M-Th
o Need to go to all casinos for work
o Need to bring back afternoon run from Nespelem to Inchelium
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Top answers to Question 18: Unmet locations needs
o Transit doesn’t accommodate needed materials to carry on for berry
picking, fishing, etc.
o Spokane Appointments
o Need more trips to Colville for Elders
o Would be nice to have more drop off locations in Colville such as Adept
o Lower HUD and Upper HUD
o Both casinos and fuel stations for work
Top answers to Question 21: Unmet bus stop needs
o Need a restroom
o For people catching the shuttle from Kettle Falls to Colville, it should be
more obvious it is a CCT shuttle and need designated waiting area
o The driver doesn’t follow the set schedule
o Bus stops do not have any markings
o Buses don’t stop by HUD units
o Good
Top answers to Question 24: Unmet vehicle amenity needs
o No way to carry baskets for berry picking, fishing gear, or guns for
hunting
o Seats are uncomfortable, hurts my back
o Possible a bigger vehicle
o Cup holders
o ADA accessible needs
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o Carry bikes
o Need ability to carry medical supplies
Group 5 results
Over 52% of 40 respondents replied that them or a family member would benefit
from training on how to use Tribal transit information, trip planning, or practicing
using the transit system.
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Keller Survey Responses (19)
Forty responses for the Keller survey were collected between September 9, 2025 and
October 9, 2025. Survey announcements were made via Tribal email distribution, emailed to the
Spokane Tribe of Indians, Kalispel Tribe of Indians, WSDOT, counties, cities, towns, and school
districts, posted on the CCT DOT webpage, and announcement posters were laminated and hung
in several Keller public spaces. One reminder was shared using the Tribal email distribution
system on September 16, 2025.
For the Keller survey:
Group 1 - The first 5 questions were about demographics and the respondents’
zip codes.
Group 2 - Questions 6-8 and 11-12 were focused on whether, why, how often,
and when Tribal transit is used by respondents.
Group 3 – Questions 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 23, and 24 were true/false questions
about whether current Tribal transit services met the needs of respondents for
time and day of services, desired trip locations, bus stop clarity, and bus
amenities.
Group 4 - Questions 9, 13, 16, 19, 22, and 25 were open-ended questions with
write-in boxes to describe how respondents traveled from Keller to where they
could catch a transit shuttle, the name of other transit services they transfer to
from Tribal transit, unmet needs for time and day of services, unmet needs for
desired trip locations, unmet needs for bus stop clarity, and unmet needs for bus
amenities.
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Group 5 - Question 26 asked if the respondent or anyone in the respondent’s
family would benefit from training on how to use or practice using the Tribal
transit system.
Group 1 results
Two age groups were not represented by the survey, Under 18 age bracket and 1824 age bracket. 17 of the 19 respondents were between the ages of 35-65+.
Close to 74% of the respondents were women and 89% of the 19 respondents
were members of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.
All of the respondents indicated that they own and drive a vehicle.
Zip codes provided by respondents included: Coulee Dam, Elmer City, Grand
Coulee, Keller, and Omak. 63% of the respondents’ zip code indicated Keller.
Group 2 results
One of the 19 of the respondents replied that they currently use Tribal transit
services to or from Keller and they use it for work purposes.
Of the 4 respondents answering Question 8: 1 responded that they use Tribal
transit between Inchelium and Nespelem monthly, the other 3 responded that they
don’t use Inchelium/Nespelem transit route.
For Question 11: No responses were made for this question.
Answers to Question 12 – one respondent stated that they use the
Inchelium/Colville route at least once a month and one respondent reported that
they don’t use the Inchelium/Colville route.
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Group 3 results
Of the 19 respondents of Question 14 (live in Keller) answered: 42% stated the
days and times do not meet their needs; 37% stated the days and times that Tribal
transit operates now meet their needs; 21% stated they don’t live in Keller.
Of the 19 respondents answering Question 15 (if they work, visit people or places
in Keller): 56% stated that the days and times do not meet their needs; 28% stated
that the days and times Tribal transit operates meets their needs; and
approximately 17% stated they don’t work or visit people or places in Keller.
Of the 19 respondents answering Question 17 (live in Keller): 53% stated that the
locations Tribal transit goes to now do not meet their needs; 31% stated they don’t
live in Keller; and approximately 16% stated that the locations Tribal transit goes
to now meets their needs.
Of the 18 respondents answering question 18 (if they work, visit people or places
in Keller): 72% answered that the locations do not meet their needs; 17% stated
they do not work or visit people or places in Keller; and approximately 11%
stated that the locations that Tribal transit goes to now meets their needs.
Of the 17 respondents answering Question 20 (live in Keller): 35% stated that
Tribal transit bus stops are well marked or well-known places; 35% reported that
the bus stops are not well marked or known; and over 29% stated they don’t live
in Keller.
Of the 17 respondents answering Question 21 (if they work, visit people or places
in Keller): approximately 41% stated that Tribal transit bus stops are well marked
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or well-known places; 41% stated that Tribal transit bus stops are not well marked
or known; and 18% they don’t work or visit people or places in Keller.
Of 18 respondents answering Question 23 (live in Keller): 44% stated that Tribal
transit vehicles have the amenities they need; over 33% stated they don’t live in
Keller; and over 22% stated that Tribal transit vehicles don’t have the amenities
they need.
Of 18 respondents answering Question 24 (if they work, visit people or places in
Keller): approximately 47% stated that Tribal transit vehicles have the amenities
they need; 35% stated the vehicles don’t have the amenities they need; and
approximately 18% stated they don’t work or visit people or places in Keller.
Group 4 results
Top answers to Question 9: How respondents travel to catch Tribal transit
shuttles:
o Exactly why I don’t use this transit – to get to and from transit would be
very inconvenient.
o I drive from Grand Coulee to Mt Tolman for work as a permanent
employee. If there was transit available, I would take that instead because
the roads are unsafe in the winter and even in the rain.
o Drive.
Top answers to Question 13: What other public transportation the respondent uses
to connect to other transits
o People for People to continue into other transits systems.
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Top answers to Question 16: Unmet days or times needs
o I can not rely on someone else’s schedule
o I have no idea if there is a transit. I’ve never seen a bus.
o Was not aware that public transit existed.
o Need trip from Coulee Dam school to Keller for kids.
o Friday
o If transit goes as far a Cache Creek/Hwy 21 intersection the answer is no,
it does not fully meet the Keller community transit needs.
o Need to accommodate 4-10s work schedule at Mt Tolman M-Th.
o I don’t know what the transit options are for people living in Keller, what
the schedule is (if any), or how to request services (if that’s an option).
Top answers to Question 19: Unmet locations needs
o Might be nice if the shuttle went to the Keller Store or Community Center.
o We need a bus to pick up in Keller.
o Where events take place.
o I live by Keller Ferry, need a bus to come for service.
o Need a route between Grand Coulee and Mt. Tolman.
o Are ther bus stops at Alice Flats or pick up handicapped/disabled if
requested?
o Publicize the schedule.
o Leaving my car at Cache Creek to meet the bus leaves my vehicle
vulnerable
o Have to walk to the Pines to catch the bus, need service to Keller.
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Top answers to Question 22: Unmet bus stop needs
o Need transit in and out of Keller.
o It would probably be at someone’s home.
o The house I own in Keller is not my primary residence, I don’t know
anything about Tribal transit.
o I give rides to people going to Cache Creek to catch the bus, and to others
going to the (Coulee) Dam, Omak, Inchelium, and Spokane.
o There is no bus in and out, they stop miles away. There is no benefit for
people who live in Keller to utilize services that the Tribe offers for these
specific services.
o Greenhouse is where I work.
Top answers to Question 25: Unmet vehicle amenity needs
o If I rode transit, my needs would include things like good sanitation,
AC/heat, charging options, and wifi.
o Walking to and from the Pines sucks when there is important business to
do in other towns, such as court, and employment searches, or really any
business with the Tribe.
o Child car seats so I do not have to carry one.
o I would ride the shuttle from Keller to work in Nespelem 4 days a week.
Group 5 results
Over 61% of 18 respondents replied that them or a family member would benefit
from training on how to use Tribal transit information, trip planning, or practicing
using the transit system.
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Nespelem Survey Responses (56)
Fifty-six responses for the Nespelem survey were collected between October 6, 2025 and
November 6, 2025. Survey announcements were made via Tribal email distribution, emailed to
WSDOT, counties, cities, towns, and school districts, posted on the CCT DOT webpage, and
announcement posters were laminated and hung in several Nespelem District public spaces.
Three reminders were shared using the Tribal email distribution system on October 14, 2025,
October 28, 2025, and November 5, 2025.
For the Nespelem survey:
Group 1 - The first 5 questions were about demographics and the respondents’
zip codes.
Group 2 - Questions 6-8 and 10 were focused on whether, why, how often, and
when Tribal transit is used by respondents. Questions 11 and 12 asked about
other transit services the respondent may use in addition to Tribal transit.
Group 3 - Questions 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 23, and 24 were true/false questions
about whether current Tribal transit services met the needs of respondents for
time and day of services, desired trip locations, bus stop clarity, and bus
amenities.
Group 4 - Questions 9, 13, 16, 19, 22, and 25 were open-ended questions with
write-in boxes to describe how the respondent checked whether Tribal transit
services were limited or cancelled, the name of other transit systems they use to
or from the Nespelem District, unmet needs for time and day of Tribal transit
services, unmet Tribal transit locations needs, unmet Tribal transit bus stop
clarity, and unmet needs for Tribal transit bus amenities.
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Group 5 - Question 26 asked if the respondent or anyone in the respondent’s
family would benefit from training on how to use or practice using the Tribal
transit system.
Group 1 results
Two age groups were not represented by the survey, Under 18 age bracket and 1824 age bracket. 46 of the 56 respondents were between the ages of 35-65+.
Over 78% of the respondents were women and 80% of the 56 respondents were
members of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.
Just over 7% of the respondents did not own and drive a vehicle.
Zip codes provided by respondents included: Coulee Dam, Davenport, Elmer
City, Grand Coulee, Inchelium, Keller, Nespelem, Mallot, Spokane, and Omak.
Over 41% of the respondents’ zip code indicated Nespelem.
Group 2 results
Almost 13% of the 55 respondents replied that they currently use Tribal transit
services to or from the Nespelem District.
Of the 8 respondents answering Question 7: over 62% responded that their
purposes were for social visits with family or friends; 50% replied that they use
Tribal transit for work purposes. Other purposes include special events
(ceremonies, celebrations, gatherings 25%); over 12% responded that they use
Tribal transit for shopping, and 12% responded that they use Tribal transit for
medical or other services (more than one selection could be chosen).
Of the 11 respondents answering Question 8: 4 responded that they use Tribal
transit to or from Nespelem at least once monthly; 2 responded that they use the
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service annually; and 1 replied that they use the service daily (more than one
selection could be chosen).
For Question 10: when do they use Tribal transit:
o 3 of the 5 respondents said they use Tribal transit during the morning trip
from Inchelium to Nespelem.
o 3 of the 5 respondents stated they use the Inchelium/Nespelem route to
connect to Grand Coulee or beyond direction.
o 2 of the 5 respondents stated that they use the Inchelium/Nespelem
evening route to Nespelem.
o 1 of the 5 respondents stated that they use the Inchelium/Nespelem
evening route to Inchelium.
Top answers to Question 11 – if the respondent uses another transit system such as
OCTN, DART, or People For People, to or from the Nespelem District, they were
asked which system they used, answers included:
o 6 of the 13 respondents do not use any transit system to or from the
Nespelem District.
o 5 of the respondents only use Tribal transit.
o 1 respondent uses OCTN to or from the Nespelem District.
o 1 respondent uses People For People to or from the Nespelem District.
Top answers to Question 12 – respondents were asked how often they used
another transit system.
o 10 of the 13 respondents do not use any other transit system to or from the
Nepselem District.
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o 1 of the 13 respondents stated they use each of the following frequencies:
weekly, monthly, annually.
Group 3 results
Of the 49 respondents of Question 14 (live in Nespelem District) answered: 45%
stated the days and times that Tribal transit operates now do not meet their needs;
30% stated the days and times do meet their needs; 24% stated they don’t live in
the Nespelem District.
Of the 49 respondents answering Question 15 (if they work, visit people or places
in Nespelem District): 53% stated that the days and times Tribal transit operates
do not meets their needs; 35% stated that the days and times do meet their needs;
and over 12% stated they don’t work or visit people or places in Nespelem
District.
Of the 49 respondents answering Question 17 (live in Nespelem District): 39%
stated that the locations Tribal transit goes to now do not meets their needs; 39%
stated that the locations do meet their needs; 22% stated they don’t live in the
Nespelem District.
Of the 50 respondents answering question 18 (if they work, visit people or places
in Nespelem District): approximately 54% stated that the locations that Tribal
transit goes to now meets their needs; approximately 42% answered that the
locations do not meet their needs; and approximately 4% stated they do not work
or visit people or places in Nespelem District.
Of the 47 respondents answering Question 20 (live in Nespelem District): 40%
stated that Tribal transit bus stops are not well marked or well-known places; 32%
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stated that the bus stops are well marked or well-known; and 27% stated they
don’t live in the Nespelem District.
Of the 50 respondents answering Question 21 (if they work, visit people or places
in Nespelem District): approximately 58% stated that Tribal transit bus stops are
not well marked or well-known places; 34% stated that Tribal transit bus stops are
well marked or known; and 8 % stated they don’t work or visit people or places in
the Nespelem District.
Of 44 respondents answering Question 23 (live in Nespelem District): 50% stated
that Tribal transit vehicles have the amenities they need; over 30% stated they
don’t live in Nespelem District; and over 20% stated that Tribal transit vehicles
don’t have the amenities they need.
Of 45 respondents answering Question 24 (if they work, visit people or places in
Nespelem District): approximately 62% stated that Tribal transit vehicles have the
amenities they need; 31% stated the vehicles don’t have the amenities they need;
and over 6% stated they don’t work or visit people or places in the Nespelem.
District.
Group 4 results
Top answers to Question 9 – what method respondents use for checking on
whether Tribal transit service is limited or cancelled, answers included:
o Online
o Broadcast or community boards
o Text or verbal notification
o Call ferry line
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o I look at the schedule that is saved on my phone
Top answers to Question 13 - if the respondent uses another transit system to
complete their trip, what was the name of the transit system:
o
12 of the 16 respondents stated none, N/A, or that they use their car.
o 2 of the 16 respondents stated they use Omak (OCTN).
o 1 of the 16 respondents answered that they use People For People.
o 1 of the 16 respondents stated Spokane Airport.
Top answers to Question 16: Unmet days or times needs
o I would need to be in Nespelem by 5:30am and leave Nespelem by
7:00pm
o 2 of the 32 respondents answered - I need to be at the office at 7:00am and
leave at 4:30pm (or 5:30pm)
o Honestly not sure what times the bus runs from Coulee Dam to
Government Center. I might take it to work if it was good timing (not too
early or late M-Th shifts)
o My sister uses it to come and visit me and it is never on time.
o 4 of the 32 respondents answered - Fridays and weekends.
o Need transportation after business hours.
o Need a transport from Nespelem to Omak for those who work 8 hour
shifts 5 days a week. Transit should be dependable for employees and
others as we have to pay for the ride. The shuttle has a pick up spot right
in front of my workplace but not one to return to Omak as I asked and
stated there wasn’t one for the afternoon run.
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o 2 of the 32 respondents answered – Could be later.
o 2 of the 32 respondents answered – Unfamiliar with Tribal transit
schedule.
o It seems the times for pick up in Nespelem and the agency are for the
driver themselves to meet their shift end. Not specific for people that
work 7‐5:30pm shift. But then there are some people who work
7:30am‐4:00pm. But even so the bus pick up at the LCGC seems to be
3:30pm and drop offs are at 7:15am I think. Maybe having two busses to
meet the two schedules (4‐10s and 5‐8s). I know it would take more to
budget but it would help the people.
o The shuttle generally shuts down on Holidays. That leaves some folks
without much needed transportation during the Holidays.
o The transits don’t seem to align with the going to/from Coulee Dam.
Options on Sundays and Fridays would be great.
o I understand the shuttle is connected to the network that gets people to
Spokane, but leaving at 4:00PM does not work for Omak employees of the
Tribe.
o When no vehicle available utilize the transit system.
o I live in the Omak District and I used to ride the shuttle daily until CCT
work hours changed however the shuttle hours did not. Many clients ride
the shuttle and we pay for bus passes. If we give monies to OCTN
shouldn’t our Tribal members be riding the bus for free? The Tribal van
doesn’t have enough room during the winter.
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o It would be nice to have transit available three times a day evenly spaced
out.
o I would need to go from Grand Coulee to Nespelem Clinic for work hours
8:00am – 4:30pm.
o Need to leave Coulee Dam area by 6:30am.
o Need Omak route to Nespelem 6:00am to 5:30pm.
o There are limited times, it doesn’t always meet the needs of the people.
Top answers to Question 19: Unmet locations needs
o Would like to see transit on Saturdays (1); weekends (1)
o Does the transit go through Belvedere and Elmer City?
o My sister travels to court house – and she needs to make stops at housing
and then LIHEAP but they don’t do that. Expect her to walk and she is
crippled.
o It would be nice to have transit from Coulee Dam to Nespelem during
work hours.
o Need to be at Mt. Tolman by 7:00AM from Grand Coulee.
o Does not go off-reservation.
o Would it be possible to add the route drive into Nespelem drive by post
office and then out to the Chief Joseph rest stop?
o One day a week to go grocery shopping would be nice.
o Need a pick-up point in an area close to Lone Pine.
o White Buffalo and houses out on Buffalo Lake Road.
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o I live in the Omak District and I used to ride the shuttle daily until CCT
work hours changed however the shuttle hours did not. Many clients ride
the shuttle and we pay for bus passes. If we give monies to OCTN
shouldn’t our Tribal members be riding the bus for free? The Tribal van
doesn’t have enough room during the winter.
o Don’t know what locations the bus stops at, but is the Tribal courthouse
and Community Center a location?
o I used to live in Nespelem. The times of the shuttle are regular, but then
you would have to spend all day in Omak, or Coulee Dam if you had
shopping to do, or other appointments before being able to return to
Nespelem.
Top answers to Question 22: Unmet bus stop needs
o I think they should have places in the housing projects people can be
picked up not have to walk so far to catch the buses.
o For people catching the shuttle from Kettle Falls to Colville, it should be
more obvious it is a CCT shuttle and need designated waiting area
o See Question 19.
o 2 of the 17 respondents - Don’t even know where they are at.
o 2 of the 17 respondents - Not well posted.
o 3 of the 17 respondents - I feel the bus stop designated sites need to have
(signs and) shelters to either provide shade in the summer months and
protection in the winter or rainy months.
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o 2 of the 17 respondents - Clearly marked pick up/drop off signs need to be
displayed at all locations, along with bus schedule.
o Not sure where pick-up is in Coulee Dam.
o One day a month to shop at Walmart in Omak, Airway Heights, or
Wenatchee would be great.
o Clearly marked pick up/drop off signs need to be displayed at all
locations, along with bus schedule.
o I think actual signs and not just flyers that get torn and or taken from
posted areas would help. Not everyone has internet and when I used to
work at the front desk a lot of people would come and ask for the schedule
and or a map on where and when they could catch the bus. Like a map of
the pick-up and drop off sites with times in the AM and PM. And maybe a
bold or highlighted print if there is a cost or no cost.
o The shuttle needs to run from Nespelem to Omak after 5:30PM when the
Tribe is released. The shuttle used to be full, and even would have to turn
people away when it first began. More people would ride it if they had a
postwork shuttle to Omak.
o I don’t know as I don’t use it.
Top answers to Question 25: Unmet vehicle amenity needs
o I know at one point a driver spoke to my mentally challenged family
member in a rude tone because she had “Over shopped at the dam store”.
The shuttle is her only means of transportation if I am unavailable.
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o Public transit will be helpful for the route from Grand Coulee to Coulee
Dam to transfer to the bus that travels Hwy 155 to Nespelem/Omak during
morning and afternoon as alternate transportation for employment,
medical, etc.
o It would be nice to have a transit from Coulee Dam to Nespelem during
work hours.
o Wifi and phone chargers.
o 3 of the 18 respondents - I do not have any information what the transit
provides.
o I believe you can not ride the transit bus that comes from Omak to Coulee
Dam without paying $1.00. I thought it used to be a free service. Not all
people that need it even have $1.00 to ride so they walk.
o Provided information to the public would be greatly appreciated.
o Times
o I think in my brief use it was smelly sometimes, like people who used
alcohol or drugs you could tell, and when they depart the bus the seats
smell. An elder had a urine accident and no one said anything because
they were too embarrassed. So maybe a wipe down or disinfecting spray
after each night after shift?
o When I rode in the Inchelium transit to the Pines to catch a ride to work in
Keller, the air conditioner didn’t work in July.
o Just a centralized place to see bus times and options so you can easily see
when the connecting bus is going to be coming.
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o Minimal use of transit system.
Group 5 results
Over 75% of 49 respondents replied that them or a family member would benefit
from training on how to use Tribal transit information, trip planning, or practicing
using the transit system.
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Omak Survey Responses (20)
Twenty responses for the Omak survey were collected between October 6, 2025 and
November 6, 2025. Survey announcements were made via Tribal email distribution, emailed to
WSDOT, counties, cities, towns, and school districts, posted on the CCT DOT webpage, and
announcement posters were laminated and hung in several Omak District public spaces. Two
reminders were shared using the Tribal email distribution system on October 28, 2025 and
November 4, 2025.
For the Omak survey:
Group 1 - The first 5 questions were about demographics and the respondents’
zip codes.
Group 2 - Questions 6-8, 10-12 were focused on whether, why, how often, and
when Tribal transit is used by respondents.
Group 3 - Questions 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 23, and 24 were true/false questions
about whether current Tribal transit services met the needs of respondents for
time and day of services, desired trip locations, bus stop clarity, and bus
amenities.
Group 4 - Questions 9, 13, 16, 19, 22, and 25 were open-ended questions with
write-in boxes to describe unmet needs for time and day of services, desired trip
locations, bus stop clarity, and bus amenities.
Group 5 - Question 26 asked if the respondent or anyone in the respondent’s
family would benefit from training on how to use or practice using the Tribal
transit system.
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Group 1 results
Two age groups were not represented by the survey, the Under 18 age bracket and
the 25-35 age bracket with 19 of the 20 respondents between the ages of 35-65+.
Over 75% of the respondents were women and 90% of the respondents were
members of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.
10% of the respondents did not own and drive a vehicle.
Zip codes provided by respondents included: Keller, Mallot, Nespelem, Omak,
and Riverside. Over 60% of the respondents’ zip code indicated Omak.
Group 2 results
Almost 10% of the respondents replied that they currently use Tribal transit
services to or from Omak District.
Of the 3 respondents answering Question 7: 2 replied that they use Tribal transit
for work purposes; other purposes included education and medical or other
services (more than one selection could be chosen).
Of the 3 respondents answering Question 8: 1 responded that they use Tribal
transit to or from the Omak District at least monthly; 1 responded that they use
transit daily; and 1 does not use Tribal transit (more than one selection could be
Top answers to Question 10 – respondents were asked when do they use Tribal
transit – there were no responses.
Top answers to Question 11 – respondents were asked if they currently use
another transit system such as OCTN, TranGO, People For People to or from the
Omak District:
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o 15 of the 20 respondents do not use any transit system to or from the
Omak District.
o 3 of the respondents only use Tribal transit.
o 3 of the respondents use TranGO to or from the Omak District.
o 1 respondent uses OCTN to or from the Omak District.
Top answers to Question 12 – How often respondents use another transit system:
o 11 of the 17 respondents do not use any other transit system to or from
Omak District.
o 2 respondents stated that they use a non-Tribal transit system monthly and
annually.
o 1 respondent stated that they use a non-Tribal transit system for each of
the following frequencies: daily, weekly.
Group 3 results
Of the 14 respondents of Question 14 (live in Omak District) answered: 50%
stated the days and times that Tribal transit operates do not now meet their needs;
43% stated the days and times meet their needs; and 1 respondent stated they
don’t live in the Omak District.
Of the 13 respondents answering Question 15 (if they work, visit people or places
in Omak District): 46% stated that the days and times Tribal transit operates meets
their needs; 46% stated that the days and times do not meet their needs, and 1
respondent stated they don’t work or visit people or places in Omak District.
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Of the 14 respondents answering Question 17 (live in Omak District): 57% stated
that the locations Tribal transit goes to now do not meet their needs and
approximately 43% stated that the locations do meet their needs.
Of the 14 respondents answering question 18 (if they work, visit people or places
in Omak District): approximately 50% stated that the locations that Tribal transit
goes to now do not meet their needs; approximately 43% answered that the
locations do meet their needs; and 1 respondent stated they do not work or visit
people or places in Omak District.
Of the 15 respondents answering Question 20 (live in Omak District): Over 73%
stated that Tribal transit bus stops are not well marked or well-known places and
approximately 27% stated that the bus stops are well marked or in well- known
places.
Of the 15 respondents answering Question 21 (if they work, visit people or places
in Omak District): over 73% stated that Tribal transit bus stops are not well
marked or in well-known places; 20% stated that Tribal transit bus stops are well
marked or in well-known places; and approximately 7% stated they don’t work or
visit people or places in Omak District.
Of 12 respondents answering Question 23 (live in Omak District): almost 67%
stated that Tribal transit vehicles have the amenities they need and 33% stated that
Tribal transit vehicles don’t have the amenities they need.
Of 12 respondents answering Question 23 (if they work, visit people or places in
Omak): almost 67% stated that Tribal transit vehicles have the amenities they
need and 33% stated the vehicles don’t have the amenities they need.
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Group 4 results
Top answers to Question 9 – What method respondents use for checking on
whether Tribal transit service is limited or cancelled, answers included:
o broadcast message
Top answers to Question 13 - if the respondent uses another transit system to
complete their trip, what was the name of the transit system:
o 1 respondent answered N/A
o 1 respondent stated they depend on relatives. They can’t go anywhere if
relatives are not willing to take them.
Top answers to Question 16: Unmet days or times needs
o I would need transportation at 11:00pm going from work in Omak to
home in Mallot.
o The OCTN needs to be on the same schedule as the CCT workers, get to
Nespelem LCGC at 7:00am and return trip to Omak at 5:30pm.
o Transit does not meet the 7:00am to 5:30pm schedule.
o Weekends would be nice.
o I don’t know if they meet my needs or not. I don’t know how to find out
about Tribal transit. I only know about the bus for employees.
o I have relatives that take all the transits. They have no car and it is easier
for them to take the transit. They know the schedules and use it weekly. I
have relatives in all of the Districts and they use all of them. Even the one
from Coulee Dam to Spokane.
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Top answers to Question 19: Unmet locations needs
o Need transportation to Disautel.
o The OCTN needs to be on the same schedule as the CCT workers, get to
Nespelem LCGC at 7:00am and return trip to Omak at 5:30pm.
o Tribal transit does not accommodate my home location in Kartar Valley.
o I don’t know where it goes. I go to the store and I want to go fun places to
meet my friends.
Top answers to Question 22: Unmet bus stop needs
o The OCTN needs to be on the same schedule as the CCT workers, get to
Nespelem LCGC at 7:00am and return trip to Omak at 5:30pm.
o I haven’t seen marked locations.
o I don’t see any markings for Tribal transit bus stops.
o I didn’t know there was Tribal transit in Omak.
Top answers to Question 25: Unmet vehicle amenity needs
o The OCTN needs to be on the same schedule as the CCT workers, get to
Nespelem LCGC at 7:00am and return trip to Omak at 5:30pm.
Group 5 results
Over 80% of 15 respondents replied that them or a family member would benefit
from training on how to use Tribal transit information, trip planning, or practicing
using the transit system. 20% stated the training would not matter until Tribal
transit services are available to or from the Omak District.
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Conclusions
Current Operations
Tribal transit program has operated on FTA TTP funding averaging $170,072 over the last
three years and has supplemented the allocated FTA funding with multiple grants. Some of the
grants are expiring in 2026 and some are expiring in 2027. Without the additional grant funding,
Tribal transit could not take care of the system’s security needs or replace their aging fleet.
The current routes and schedules allow Tribal transit to meet their operating requirements
to maintain the FTA allocated funding, but their two routes are based out of one CTCR District.
One route almost exclusively caters to employees living in Inchelium and working in Nespelem
or living in Nespelem and working in Inchelium who work the Tribe’s customary 10 hour days
Monday through Thursday. One route provides Colville shopping opportunities to people who
live in Inchelium.
Four people comprise the Tribal transit program staff: a manager, a coordinator, and two
drivers. Each driver services one route and there is no alternate driver to relieve the two
dedicated drivers. If a driver is absent for some reason on the day where there are two routes
operating, one route is cancelled. Tribal transit cancellation notifications are made via Tribal
email distribution, announced on the manager’s Facebook page, or if a cancellation is due to a
multiple day event, the manager will start a notification phone tree to spread the news in
Inchelium.
Common Survey Responses from All Districts
Surveys were conducted for each District to gather transit needs and the majority of
responses in a District were from zip codes associated with the District. The surveys typically
ran for 3-4 weeks in duration and were advertised widely. The majority of people responding to
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the surveys were women, over the age of 35, who were Tribal members, and owned and drove
cars.
Summarized responses showed there were Tribal transit system needs:
o to expand services to more of the CTCR Districts.
Other than the Inchelium District, people who live, work, or visit
people and places in each of the other districts believed that Tribal
transit does not meet their needs.
Omak district in particular incorrectly believes that OCTN is
financially supplemented by Tribal transit.
If non-Tribal transit is available in Districts, some people already
use those services.
o to increase the times of the trips to more than simply getting to and from
work (i.e. weekends, holidays, evenings).
Purposes for desired transit trips range from work, to social visits
with family and friends, to shopping and medical appointments,
and attending special events.
o to increase the locations that transit serves both on the reservation and off.
Need transportation that starts at their HUDs. This allows people
to use transit without leaving their car in unprotected park and
rides or relieves them from solely relying on their relatives,
neighbors, or friends for needed trips.
Need transportation to work trips which are located other places
than the Lucy Covington Government Center in Nespelem.
DRAFT
COLVILLE CONFEDERATED TRIBES TRANSIT NEEDS ASSESSMENT
52
Respondents requested work trips to the various casinos, the gas
stations, to and from the various HUDs, and Mt. Tolman.
Need transportation to shopping or medical services in Omak,
Colville, Spokane, and Wenatchee.
o to increase service schedule and interruption communications and
identification of bus stops:
People do not know where to look online to find a schedule and
more information about Tribal transit.
People want schedules posted at clearly identified bus stops easily
found whether the rider is a resident or visitor.
People would like shelters especially at places where elder riders
board or alight from transit vehicles.
o to maintain the same level of Tribal transit amenities with a very few
additional considerations:
Although the current Tribal transit vehicles do have some storage,
are limited in ADA ability, and have no bike racks, the types of
amenities being requested are:
Ensuring cleanliness and comfortable seats, providing A/C
in the summer, providing a child car seat, providing cup
holders, providing wifi, and potentially more storage.
The next step is to contract out the transit market study which will explore the feasibility of
expanding the transit program to cover the needs identified in this assessment.
DRAFT
This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.