The proposed public bus system connecting Moscow, Pullman, Albion and Colfax has been nixed by the Council on Aging and Human Services.

Moscow city administrator Bill Belknap said he was informed via email by the nonprofit that the board had decided to no longer seek funding for the project as it undergoes new leadership.

Paige Collins, the COA’s executive director, is no longer leading the COA, according to the report.

The report comes after anticipation and momentum for the proposed service grew over the preceding months.

COAST transportation, the COA’s public transit system, proposed the bus route back in September 2024 that would operate six days a week and feature two new buses that would run on two separate routes: one between Colfax, Albion and Pullman, and one between Pullman and Moscow.

In the months since the proposal, COAST had received growing support, including a pledge of up to $40,000 by the Port of Whitman County, $5,000 from the City of Moscow and contributions from organizations in Pullman and Colfax, including their respective Downtown Associations. Now Moscow’s funds will be returned to its city budget and Palouse communities will be left without a new transit system.

The two proposed passenger buses were expected to be available this summer to provide increased access to shopping, medical facilities and recreation within the four included Palouse communities.