collection system, developed by INIT, can accept the Connect Card via NFC and the mobile eConenct app; later in 2023, the system will begin to be able to accept Apple Pay and Google Pay. Pass programs Spokane Transit provides multiple fare instruments, including employee, youth, and college passes. Additionally, organizations may participate in the Universal Transit Access Pass (UTAP) program with a "utility charge" for each ride taken by eligible participants. Spokane Transit currently maintains UTAP contracts with Eastern Washington University, Washington State University Spokane, Community Colleges of Spokane, Whitworth University, Gonzaga University and the University of Washington School of Medicine in Spokane (via Gonzaga University); City of Spokane for employees and elected officials; and, Spokane County for employees and elected officials. Governance Spokane Transit is governed by a board of directors which includes nine positions filled by elected officials who must be appointed by the municipal jurisdictions that form the agency, and one position appointed by the Board upon recommendation by the labor organizations representing the public transportation employees within the local public transportation system pursuant to state law. Originally, the board consisted of 2 members from the City of Spokane, 2 members from the Spokane County Commission, 1 member from each of the Cities of Airway Heights, Cheney, Medical Lake, and the Town of Millwood, and one additional member alternately held by an official from the City of Spokane and Spokane County. The City of Liberty Lake was incorporated in August 2001, and the City of Spokane Valley was incorporated in March 2003, necessitating a change in board membership. Now the board consists of: City of Spokane, 3 members Spokane County, 2 members City of Spokane Valley, 2 members The small cities, 2 members (combined) Labor representative, 1 member (non-voting) The Board of Directors is also advised by the following committees: Board Operations Committee Planning & Development Committee Performance Monitoring & External Relations Committee Citizens Advisory Board. The executive team for Spokane Transit Authority consists of the following positions: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Chief Operations Officer (COO) Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Chief Planning and Development Officer Chief Human Resources Officer Chief Communication and Cusomter Service Officer Fixed route fleet As of January 2022, Spokane Transit has 167 buses in its fleet. Included in the fleet are: History 1880s–1970s: Predecessors Transit history in the Spokane area dates back more than 130 years beginning with the inaugural trip of a