Kootenai County bus stops range from 'gold standard' to basic signs: What's next?
The stop at Panhandle Health is considered the "gold standard" among the 81 stops in the Citylink. Transit facilities like the bus stops have to be up to ADA regulations and Citylink program manager Chad Ingle said that Citylink wants to work more directly with the cities on the route when upgrades are implemented to try and get stops looking more uniform no matter where you are.
CAROLYN BOSTICK/Press
A Citylink North sign on Route C.
A Citylink stop on Seltice Way and Huetter Road.
A makeshift bench at a Route B stop on the Citylink.
Throughout Kootenai County, Citylink bus stops range from simple signposts to fully sheltered structures, highlighting the varied infrastructure of the regional transit system.
Since the routes span multiple jurisdictions — including Coeur d'Alene, Dalton Gardens, Hayden, Huetter and Post Falls — improvements require careful coordination. According to Citylink program manager Chad Ingle, some locations exemplify excellence while others need significant upgrades.
"We would like to be involved in the design process to ensure a uniform system," Ingle said.
The bus shelter at Panhandle Health's Hayden facilities represents what officials consider the "gold standard," while stops like the one at Seltice Way and Cedar Street "could benefit from improved connectivity" with features like sidewalks and ADA-compliant landing pads.
Funding for Citylink comes from multiple sources. The program receives federal grants through the Transit Authority and Idaho Transportation Department, with matching funds from several partners. The Coeur d'Alene Tribe contributes about $250,000 annually, while Coeur d'Alene has approved $104,298 for one year. Post Falls City Council is considering a $41,624 contribution, and Kootenai County has budgeted approximately $64,000 for fiscal year 2025.
Post Falls City Councilor Randy Westlund, who recently toured the routes, compared the system to his experience with Boston's transit.
"It serves the city pretty well. There's definitely a population in the city that relies on this for daily needs," Westlund said. However, he noted challenges with improving facilities, particularly regarding federal regulations.
"My biggest frustration with federal regulations is things like how we can't do incremental improvements. If we decide we want to put a bench here, we trigger all these ADA requirements that we have to do at the same time," Westlund explained.
Fixed bus stops are recognized as transit facilities and are subject to ADA standards. All stops must be readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, including individuals who use wheelchairs.
Ingle clarified the regulatory requirements: "Simply placing a sign on a pole does not qualify as construction. However, if a concrete pad is poured or a passenger shelter is added, this constitutes construction or alteration, necessitating compliance with minimum accessibility standards."
The system served approximately 100,000 riders last year. County Commissioner Leslie Duncan reported that Kootenai County is currently implementing Phase II of its strategic service plan, which includes systematic bus stop improvements.
Recent discussions about the system's future have sparked community interest. At a Future of Transit Town Hall meeting in October, about 100 residents attended, many expressing concern about potential service reductions.
Commissioner Bruce Mattare has proposed changing how cities share financial responsibility for the program.
"It's the county who has taken on all the liability and all the compliance," he said, adding that regional growth has complicated meeting area needs. "That cost is shifting onto the entire county tax base and I don't envision how that's right."
A Citylink North sign on Route C. 
A CityLink stop on Seltice Way and Huetter Road.
A makeshift bench at a Route B stop on the Citylink.