Pierce Transit Press Release Archive
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2011 Press Releases
December 27, 2011
Pierce Transit Service Schedule for the New Year's Holiday Pierce Transit will operate Sunday levels of service for both the actual and officially observed holiday for New Year's on Sunday & Monday, January 1& 2. Special Note: For students whose school district returns to session on Monday, January 2, and who utilize Pierce Transit services, please check your Sunday Route schedule online or "The Bus Stops Here" rider guide for Sunday route schedules. Sunday levels of service differ significantly from regular weekday service. Pierce Transit administrative offices and Bus Shop locations will be closed on both Sunday & Monday, January 1 & 2. There will be no telephone service on those days.
On New Year's Eve, Saturday, December 31, Pierce Transit service will operate on a regular Saturday schedule. Pierce Transit administrative offices and the Bus Shop locations on Commerce Street and at the Tacoma Dome Station will be closed. The Lakewood Bus Shop sales office will be open from 10am – 2pm and provide phone information from 9am – 5pm.
December 20, 2011
Pierce Transit Service Schedule for Christmas and New Year's Day Holidays
Pierce Transit will operate Sunday levels of service for both the actual and officially observed holidays for Christmas on Sunday & Monday, December 25 & 26; and New Year's on Sunday & Monday, January 1& 2. Special Note: For students whose school district returns to session on Monday, January 2, and who utilize Pierce Transit services, please check piercetransit.org or "The Bus Stops Here" rider guide for Sunday route schedules. Sunday levels of service differ significantly from regular weekday service. Pierce Transit administrative offices and Bus Shop locations will be closed on both the actual and officially observed holidays of Sunday & Monday, December 25 & 26, and Sunday & Monday, January 1 & 2. There will be no telephone service on those days. On Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24, and New Year's Eve, Saturday, December 31, Pierce Transit service will operate on a regular Saturday schedule. Pierce Transit administrative offices and the Bus Shop locations on Commerce Street and at the Tacoma Dome Station will be closed. The Lakewood Bus Shop sales office will be open from 10am – 2pm and provide phone information from 9am – 5pm. For additional information call Pierce Transit Customer Service at 253.581.8000, or visit the Pierce Transit website.
November 18, 2011
Pierce Transit Thanksgiving Schedule LAKEWOOD, WA – On Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 24, Pierce Transit services will operate on a Sunday schedule. On the Friday after Thanksgiving, Pierce Transit services will operate on a regular weekday schedule. Pierce Transit administrative offices and the Bus Shop locations on Commerce Street and at the Tacoma Dome Station will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and on Friday, November 25. The Lakewood Bus Shop sales office will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and open on Friday from 10am – 2pm and provide phone information from 9am – 5pm. For additional information call Pierce Transit Customer Service at 253.581.8000, or visit the holiday page on our website.
Sept. 14, 2011
Pierce Transit Prepares for Major Reductions in Bus Service
Lakewood, WA – Bus riders need to be prepared for significant changes in their bus service. Effective Sunday, October 2nd, Pierce Transit bus service will undergo considerable changes throughout the county. Weekday and weekend service will be reduced, segments of some routes will be cut, and in some cases entire routes will be eliminated.
Beginning Monday, September 12, yellow bags began covering signs at the bus stops that will be closing. The bags are printed with the message: Effective October 2, 2011, this stop will be CLOSED.
Transit riders can continue to use these stops through Saturday, October 1. We regret any inconvenience this may cause our passengers.
Approximately 600 bus stops, including 35 with shelters, will be closed on October 2. Following that, Pierce Transit Facilities Maintenance crews will begin physically removing the bus stops; the sign pole, shelter structure, or bench that may be at the site. The process is scheduled to be completed by the end of November.
This overall 35% reduction is necessary due to a $51 million budget shortfall brought on by the economic recession and the loss of Proposition 1 at the February, 2011 election. Given the current economic projections, a 20% permanent service reduction went into effect on June 12th, with the final 15% service reduction effective October 2nd.
It is imperative for people who depend on a Pierce Transit bus to get to work, school, or appointments to find out how they will be impacted. Riders can get route-by-route information about the October 2nd service change after September 20th on the Pierce Transit’s website at www. piercetransit.org or can call Customer Service at 253.581.8000. The Pierce Transit route and schedule booklets and Rider Alerts will also be available after September 20th on-board buses, at Bus Shops, and the normal distributions sites.
Pierce Transit will eliminate the following 16 bus routes in October. A significant number of these services operate in East Pierce County, east of Meridian in generally low-performing areas in the transit system.
East Pierce County / Bonney Lake/ Sumner/ Buckley
Puyallup
Tacoma
Gig Harbor/Peninsula
Parkland/Spanaway
Background information
The October service plan focuses on maintaining ridership, improving cost efficiency, and serving the largest number of people. Most remaining routes are in areas with higher population with denser communities and more jobs, where transit service has been historically successful. These changes will get the most riders possible to their jobs, schools, shopping and appointments.
Subsequent to these changes, projections indicate higher overall annual passenger trips, an increase in average passengers carried on every bus, and a reduction in the overall cost-per-passenger trip from the previous level of $9.00 a trip to an average of $4.00 per passenger trip, a 44% reduction.
In addition to implementing the 35% reduction in service and eliminating all service to special events, including the Puyallup Fair and Tacoma’s Fourth of July Freedom Fair, Pierce Transit recently conducted the third round of layoffs. By the end of the year the agency will have approximately 20% less staff, including 30% less management.
SHUTTLE, the Pierce Transit paratransit service for people with disabilities, will parallel the fixed route service reductions and will also occur on October 2nd. As directed by federal regulations, this service operates on the same days, during the same hours, and within three-quarters of a mile of bus routes. Where bus service is reduced or eliminated, SHUTTLE service will be reduced or eliminated.
September 9, 2011
Pierce Transit Plans Moment of Remembrance On Board Buses
Tacoma, WA - On Sunday September 11, the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks committed against the United States, Pierce Transit and Sound Transit will join other transit agencies, people, and institutions all across the nation who will cease all work and activities for a National Moment of Remembrance. Pierce Transit local buses will pull over to the first safe bus stop on their route for one minute of reflection while a recorded message is played at precisely 10:00 a.m. on the vehicle announcement system. Following the message the buses will resume their routes. Sound Transit buses that are operated by Pierce Transit will also play the message at 10 a.m. as they remain in motion. It would not be safe for them to pull to the curb on freeways and in a high speed environment. Text of message:
Today is the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks committed against the United States on September 11, 2001. At this moment, all across our nation, people and institutions are ceasing all work and activities for a National Moment of Remembrance.
As we join with transit agencies across the nation, also take a moment to reflect on how the events ten years ago brought strangers, like you, riding with others on buses, subways and trains, together in a way rarely seen before. Please take one minute of your time to remember those who perished in the attacks, including heroic first responders, and to honor those who currently serve our nation to defend our freedom and security.
This important tribute gives us a chance not only to reflect on the profound loss we suffered, we also remember how our nation came together, unified and patriotic.
Let us not forget.
September 1, 2011
“Zero Tolerance” enforcement of unlawful transit conduct near high schools
Starting Thursday, September 1, Pierce Transit is conducting a zero-tolerance enforcement operation of unlawful and disruptive conduct on bus routes, at transit centers, and at bus stops near certain high schools. The enforcement effort will continue on select weekday afternoons through September 9. The objective of the enforcement activity is to improve quality of life issues for bus riders and to decrease disorderly behavior and criminal activities. Uniformed Pierce Transit Police, Security Officers, and Service Supervisors, along with Tacoma Police Officers will increase their presence on buses and conduct spot checks of identified bus stops and boarding areas near high schools.
August 29, 2011
Pierce Transit Labor Day Bus Schedule
On Labor Day, Monday, September, 5, Pierce Transit local bus service and the SHUTTLE paratransit service will operate on a Sunday schedule.
Pierce Transit administrative offices and all Bus Shop facilities will be closed. Telephone information will not be available.
Intercity Transit’s local and Olympia Express services will operate on a Sunday schedule.
August 22, 2011
Pierce Transit Police Take Top Award in Shooting Competition
LAKEWOOD, WA - The Transit Police command staff from Pierce Transit earned the “Top Dog” award at the joint military and civilian shooting competition held at Joint Base Lewis McChord on Saturday, July 30. The Pierce Transit Police command staff team members are Rod Baker, Chief Public Safety & Transit Police; Bill Cassio, Deputy Chief Transit Police; Trent Stephens, Transit Police Sergeant.
Over 100 military and civilian law enforcement officers from the South Sound area participated in three-person tactical team and stationary shooting events to test their handgun skills when engaging shoot/no-shoot targets. The competition included patrol officers and command staff personnel who competed for best Tactical Shooting Team, best Stationary Shooting Team and the best overall "Top-Dog" command staff shooting team.
“It is comforting to know that skilled, well-trained law enforcement officers are in place to provide quick assistance when needed,” stated Pierce Transit CEO, Lynne Griffith. “Our number one priority is the safety of our transit customers and employees.”
In 2006, Pierce Transit became the first public transit agency in the State of Washington to grant a general police commissioning to its public safety officer. The Public Safety and Transit Police Office is comprised of 26 full-time and contract police officers and 16 transit security officers. The Pierce Transit service area covers more than 400 square miles and on an average weekday provides almost 48,000 trips.
June 27, 2011
Pierce Transit CEO Receives Outstanding Alumnus Award from Evans School of Public Affairs
The Evans School of Public Affairs at the University of Washington announced Lynne Griffith, Pierce Transit chief executive officer, as the recipient of the Executive Master of Public Administration Outstanding Alumnus Award. Griffith is a 2009 graduate of the school. The selection process was led by Dean Sandra Archibald and an Evans School faculty committee. The award was presented at the May 25 graduation ceremony and is the first time the school has presented the award. "Ms. Griffith was selected to honor her exceptional lifetime of leadership in public transit and her outstanding efforts to guide Pierce Transit during a difficult economic time," stated Dean Archibald. Griffith has been the CEO of Pierce Transit since 2006. The Executive MPA Alumnus Award aims to recognize the achievements and exceptional leadership of an alumnus, with particular attention to how the Evans School and the Executive MPA curriculum made a notable difference in his or her work. The Evans School of Public Affairs at the University of Washington is the pre-eminent school of public policy and management in the Northwest and nationally ranked among schools of public affairs. The Evans School offers three degree programs: Masters in Public Administration, Executive Masters in Public Administration, and Ph.D. in Public Management and Policy, is home to five research centers, and conducts trainings for nonprofit and public sector executives. Pierce Transit is the public transit agency for Pierce County and the second largest transit agency in the State of Washington. Board of Commissioners Chair Claudia Thomas stated, "We congratulate Ms. Griffith on this award and her outstanding service to the public." In 2010 Pierce Transit provided more than 16 million rides with over 53,000 weekday boardings through a system of local and express buses, vanpools, SHUTTLE vans for people with disabilities, and Park & Ride lots.
June 23, 2011
Pierce Transit Independence Day Schedule
On Independence Day, Monday, July 4, Pierce Transit local bus service and the SHUTTLE paratransit service will operate on a Sunday schedule. Pierce Transit will not provide special event bus service to Freedom Fair in Old Town Tacoma. Registered SHUTTLE users can make reservations for drop off and pick up at the Freedom Fair designated location at Ruston Way and North McCarver Street. Route 13 will not serve the Old Town portion of the route. From Downtown Tacoma the route will detour at North 1st Street and Tacoma Avenue, follow Route 11 to North 21st Street, continue to Proctor Street and turn right to North 30th Street where it will resume the route. The reverse of this routing will be followed on inbound trips. Pierce Transit administrative offices and Bus Shops will be closed. Telephone information will not be available. Intercity Transit's local and Olympia Express services will operate on a Sunday schedule.
Event Parking Fee to Increase at Tacoma Dome Station
Lakewood, WA – The event parking fee at the Tacoma Dome Station will increase to $15 effective Wednesday, June 29. This increase will bring the fee closer in line with other event parking fees in the area. The fee at the Tacoma Dome Station has not been increased in more than ten years.
Pierce Transit makes the Tacoma Dome Station parking facility available for use by the general public only outside normal commute hours as to not interfere with transit users.
June 14, 2011
Pierce Transit Board of Commissioners Approves Service Reduction Plan
Lakewood, WA – On Monday, June 13, 2011, the Pierce Transit Board of Commissioners approved a plan with some modifications for the final 15% service reduction scheduled for October. These modifications include preserving the route 496 (Bonney Lake Park & Ride to Sumner Sounder Station) through February 2012, and keeping some transit connection to Northeast Tacoma. The plan uses ridership and cost information to determine how to provide the most number of trips to the highest number of people. At a previous meeting, the Pierce Transit Board of Commissioners approved a 20% permanent service reduction that went into effect on June 12. Service to special events, including the Puyallup Fair and Tacoma’s Fourth of July Freedom Fair, were also eliminated.
The October reduction plan focuses on maintaining ridership, improving cost efficiency, and serving the largest number of people. Most of the retained routes are located in higher population density areas where transit service has been historically successful. Projections indicate this plan, when compared to a previous reduction proposal, will generate higher overall annual passenger trips, an increase in average passengers per service hour, and a reduction in the average cost per passenger trip by approximately 44%.
On most local routes, the October plan will offer weekday bus and SHUTTLE service from approximately 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday service from about 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday service from about 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be extended hours on the routes 1,2, and 3 and related SHUTTLE service.
These reductions are necessary due to a $51 million budget shortfalls brought on by the economic recession and loss of Proposition 1 at the February 8, 2011 election. Adoption of this final phase completes the plans for an overall 35% service reduction in 2011.
More than 140 people attended this public hearing at Pierce Transit headquarters in Lakewood. In addition, more than 350 people provided spoken or written testimony on the October reduction plan. The majority of people told board members how essential public transportation is to their lives and how devastating the proposed cuts would be: keeping them from getting to work, attending school, shopping, going to church, and visiting friends.
Following public hearing testimony, the Board directed staff to preserve the Route 496 through February 2012 and to work with partners to find a possible solution for keeping that route. In addition, the Board directed staff to develop options for keeping a transit connection to Northeast Tacoma.
Board Chair Claudia Thomas stated, “It was extremely difficult to make these decisions. The Commissioners and I realize that everyone who depends on public transportation will be impacted by these cuts, but we did the best we could with the resources we have available to us.”
SHUTTLE, Pierce Transit’s paratransit service for people with disabilities, will parallel the fixed route service reductions that occur in October 2011. SHUTTLE operates within ¾ of a mile of bus routes on the same days and during the same time as regular bus service. Where bus service is reduced, SHUTTLE service will be reduced. Registered SHUTTLE customers will receive additional information once the details of the reductions are made final.
Pierce Transit will eliminate the following 14 bus routes and corresponding paratransit in October.
June 6, 2011 Pierce Transit adjusts bus routes and schedules beginning Sunday, June 12th TACOMA - Pierce Transit is making adjustments to bus routes and schedules effective Sunday, June 12. These changes reflect a 20% reduction from the February hours and are similar to the emergency reduced service levels that are necessary due to the fire at the natural gas fueling station. Riders should experience an improvement in peak-hour service and running times on many routes. The schedule has reinstated weekday running times and has added time on many trips; which should help improve on-time performance.
These reductions, the first phase of a permanent system-wide downsizing of service, are due to the recession and the defeat of Proposition 1, which would have increased funding for Pierce Transit.
For detailed information on route and schedule changes pick up The Bus Stops Here on board a Pierce Transit bus, at Bus Shop locations, download an electronic version here, or call Pierce Transit Customer Service at 253. 581.8000.
May 26, 2011
Pierce Transit recognized among the top transit security programs in North America
The Pierce Transit Department of Public Safety received one of only two Gold Award for Security Excellence presented by the American Public Transportation Association on May 22 at the annual Bus & Paratransit Conference held in Memphis, Tennessee. The other award was presented to New York City Transit. Awarded in four categories determined by annual ridership, the Safety & Security Excellence Awards recognize public transportation organizations for their positive and proactive safety and security programs which are dedicated to improving safety and security for employees, passengers and the public. The top honor is the GOLD Award, given to organizations with the best overall bus safety or bus security program selected by an independent panel of judges. The Pierce Transit Department of Public Safety is led by Chief Rod Baker and Deputy Chief Bill Cassio and is comprised of 13 Transit Police, who are commissioned officers; 12 fully-trained Transit Security Officers; and part-time officers from the cities of Tacoma and Lakewood. Their time is dedicated solely to the safety and security of the transit system. Pierce Transit has witnessed a 26% decrease in overall criminal activity when comparing 2008 to 2010. This time frame is important for comparison because in mid-2008 Pierce Transit launched the in-house security program and full-time transit police division. "The improvement between 2008 and 2010 is largely due to these safety and security programs becoming operational," stated Pierce Transit CEO Lynne Griffith. "It is wonderful to receive national recognition for the innovative way Pierce Transit has approached transit safety and security." Thanks to the success of Pierce Transit's Problem Oriented Policing strategy, proactive contacts, and physical security enhancements, crime has been significantly reduced in the impacted areas making it safer and more pleasant for employees, passengers, and the community. "This award is due in-part to our excellent community partnerships and well-trained staff that deal effectively with emergent situations," said Chief Rod Baker. "The support that we receive from our partners, agency leadership and Board, and grant funding from Homeland Security make these efforts a reality that show proven results!" Pierce Transit is the public transportation agency for Pierce County, providing local and regional express bus service, vanpools, rideshare services, and specialized transportation for people with disabilities. Last year, the agency provided more than 14 million passenger trips. The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) is a nonprofit international association of 1,500 public and private member organizations, engaged in the areas of bus, paratransit, light rail, commuter rail, subways, waterborne services, and intercity and high-speed rail.
Pierce Transit Memorial Day Schedule
On Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, Pierce Transit local bus service and the SHUTTLE paratransit service will operate on a Sunday schedule.
Intercity Transit’s local and Olympia Express services will be operating on a Sunday schedule.
May 10, 2011
Pierce Transit Board of Commissioners To Study Alternate Reduction Plan
Lakewood, WA – On Monday, May 9, 2011, the Pierce Transit Board of Commissioners approved a 20% permanent service reduction scheduled for June 12, 2011 but rejected the proposed plan for the final 15% reduction scheduled for October and directed staff to develop a modified plan that focuses on maximizing ridership.
As a result of budget shortfalls brought on by the economic recession and loss of Proposition 1 at the February 8, 2011 election, the Board directed staff to develop plans for a 35% reduction in service to address the agency’s budget shortfall.
This situation is being compounded by the fire on February 28, 2011 at the Pierce Transit natural gas fuel station, which has significantly reduced the agency’s ability to operate the regular weekday service schedule. Regular service has been reduced by approximately 20% as a result.
Five public hearings were held to present the details of the reduction plan and gather comments on the proposed service cuts. Public hearings were held in Lakewood, Gig Harbor, Tacoma, Puyallup, and Bonney Lake. More than 300 people attended the hearing with 319 people provided spoken or written testimony. The majority of people told board members how essential public transportation is to their lives and how devastating the proposed cuts would be, keeping them from getting to work, attending school, shopping, going to church, and visiting friends.
On June 12th, 2011, the first permanent reduction of 20% of fixed-route bus service will occur and will be similar to the service levels of the current Emergency Reduced Service. In response to public comment, there will be adjustments in service that focus on getting people to jobs and school and reducing low ridership routes and trips. This service reduction will not provide for any special event service, including the Puyallup Fair or Tacoma’s Fourth of July Freedom Fair.
Board Chair Claudia Thomas stated, “Everyone who depends on public transportation is affected by these cuts, no matter what the scenario. It is extremely difficult to make these decisions but rest assured that we will do our best with the resources we have available to us.”
Additionally, the Commissioners are exploring an alternative plan to implement the final 15% reductions, which will be implemented as close as possible to the originally scheduled October 2nd, 2011 service change. They asked staff to develop a plan that uses ridership and cost information to determine which routes and trips would help the most riders. A public hearing will be held on this new proposal at the June 13, 2011 board meeting, with possible adoption at the July 11, 2011 board meeting. Staff reductions are expected to occur no later than the end of this year.
SHUTTLE, the Pierce Transit paratransit service for people with disabilities, will parallel the fixed route service reductions, but will occur no sooner than October 2011. This service operates on the same days, during the same time, and within three-quarters of a mile of bus routes. Where bus service is reduced, SHUTTLE service will be reduced. Registered SHUTTLE customers will receive more information once the final decision on reductions is made.
March 4, 2011
Improvements to Emergency Reduced Pierce Transit Bus Service Starting Monday, March 14th
Beginning Monday, March 14th, new weekday morning trips will be added on many routes; check for details on our homepage. Additional information regarding the restoration of onsite fueling may be known the week of March 14. A fire in the Pierce Transit natural gas fuel station on Monday, February 28, has caused Pierce Transit to temporarily reduce service. Pierce Transit is continues to operate on a modified Saturday schedule with additional service.
Monday through Friday
*These 601 trips do not serve Kimball Drive Park & Ride in either direction.
Intercity Transit will operate 8 trips on the Tacoma-Olympia Express service in order to maintain Pierce Transit Routes 601 and 603A.
Saturday and Sunday local bus service will operate on regular schedules. Sound Transit buses will be on some local PT routes on the weekends. All destination signs will be accurate.
Weekdays and weekends SHUTTLE service and Sound Transit service operated by Pierce Transit will operate regular service.
Intercity Transit will operate eight trips on the Tacoma-Olympia Express service in order to maintain Pierce Transit Routes 601 and 603A.
Complete details for specific routes, trips and to download the new Rider Alert; click here.
March 4, 2011 Emergency Reduced Pierce Transit Bus Service Starting Monday, March 7th
A fire in the Pierce Transit natural gas fuel station on Monday, February 28, has caused Pierce Transit to temporarily reduce service. Beginning Monday, March 7th, and until further notice, Pierce Transit will operate on a modified Saturday schedule with additional service. This means: MONDAY – FRIDAY Saturday level service for most PT Local Routes Weekday service for Routes 26, 61, 113, 406, 407, 413, 444, 446, 495, 496, 497, 603A These select trips also operate:
SATURDAY & SUNDAY service will operate as normal.
SHUTTLE will operate regular Weekday and Weekend service. Download the Emergency Reduced Bus Service Rider Alert.
For additional information and updates visit the web site or call Pierce Transit Customer Service at 253.581.8000.
Statement from Pierce Transit Board of Commissioners Regarding System Cuts Lakewood, WA – Nine of the ten Pierce Transit Board of Commissioners participated in a work session yesterday with the goal of ensuring that they had all the information they needed to make a decision about next steps after the failure of Proposition 1, which asked voters to approve using the final 0.3% sales tax authority available to Pierce Transit to preserve existing service levels. The Board directed staff to go forward in reducing the system by approximately 35% by October, 2011. All service and staff reductions will occur by that date. These actions will stabilize the agency’s finances and allow for short and long-term sustainability. Public hearings will be held in the following communities in April: o Tacoma o Gig Harbor o Puyallup o Lakewood o Bonney Lake Dates and times for the public hearings will be announced in a later communication. The Board will take formal action for the October service reduction at their May 9, 2011 meeting. Claudia Thomas, Board of Commissioners Chair, stated, “The Board is deeply regretful about the impacts of this decision on Pierce Transit riders, the community and employees.” The Board will not pursue exercising ballot authority at this time but did not rule out using it in the future.
2010 Press Releases
December 14, 2010 Pierce Transit service schedule for Christmas and New Year’s Day On Christmas Day, Saturday, December 25, and New Year’s Day, Saturday, January 1, Pierce Transit local bus service, and SHUTTLE will operate on a Sunday schedule. Bus PLUS, Olympia Express, Intercity Transit buses and offices, and Sounder commuter rail will not operate. Regular passenger fares will be charged on Christmas and New Year’s Day. On Christmas Day and on New Year’s Day, Pierce Transit administrative offices and Bus Shop locations will be closed. There will be no telephone service. On Christmas Eve, Friday December 24, and New Year’s Eve, Friday December 31, Pierce Transit local bus service, and SHUTTLE will operate on a Saturday schedule with additional service. Weekday service will operate on Routes 26, 61, 113, 406, 407, 413, 444, 446, 495, 496, and 497. Select trips will also operate on Routes 102, 490, 601 and 603A. On Christmas Eve day and on New Year’s Eve day, Pierce Transit administrative offices and the Bus Shop locations on Commerce Street and at the Tacoma Dome Station will be closed. The Lakewood Bus Shop sales office will be open from 10am – 2pm and provide phone information from 9am – 5pm.
November 24, 2010
Lakewood Fallen Officer Memorial
Pierce Transit will provide free bus service to and from the dedication of the Fallen Officers Memorial at the Lakewood Police Department on Monday, November 29.
Park for free at the Lakewood Towne Center parking lot behind the Barnes & Noble and Target stores. Bus service will operate from 8:00am until noon, running every 15 minutes.
The dedication event is scheduled to begin at 10:00am. Washington State Governor Chris Gregoire is expected to attend.
Lakewood Drive Southwest will be closed from Steilacoom Blvd Southwest to 100th Street Southwest during the dedication event. Routes 202, 206 and 574 will be on detour from 9:00am until noon.
November 16, 2010
Pierce Transit service schedule for Thanksgiving Holiday On Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 25, Pierce Transit local bus, SHUTTLE, and Bus PLUS service will operate on a Sunday schedule. Normal passenger fares will be charged on Thanksgiving Day. On the Friday after Thanksgiving, Pierce Transit local bus, SHUTTLE, and Bus PLUS service will operate on a Saturday schedule with additional service. Weekday service will operate on Routes 26, 61, 113, 406, 407, 413, 444, 446, 495, 496, and 497. Select trips will also operate on Routes 102, 490, 601 and 603A. Visit our Holiday Service guide for route details. Pierce Transit administrative offices and the Bus Shop locations on Commerce Street and at the Tacoma Dome Station will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and on Friday, November 26. The Lakewood Bus Shop sales office will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and open on Friday from 10am – 2pm and provide phone information from 9am – 5pm.
November 1, 2010 Pierce Transit Veterans Day Schedule On Veterans Day, Thursday, November 11, Pierce Transit local bus service, Bus Plus, and the SHUTTLE paratransit service will operate on a regular weekday schedule. Pierce Transit administrative offices and all Bus Shop facilities will be closed. No telephone information will be available. Intercity Transit offices and the Olympia Express service will be operating on a weekday schedule. Pierce Transit Olympia Express service will operate on a weekday schedule.
October 28, 2010
Pierce Transit November Fare Increase
LAKEWOOD, WA – Pierce Transit fare increases for regular adult local fixed route bus and vanpool service will go into effect November 1, 2010. There are no fare changes for senior/disabled and youth local riders, SHUTTLE customers, or on Olympia Express service. In September, the Pierce Transit Board of Commissioners voted to increase adult and vanpool fares. Fares will also now be charged on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Regular adult fares were last increased in January 2009. Vanpool fares were last increased in October 2008.
Complete fare increase details.
October 7, 2010 Pierce Transit Wins an ASTD “BEST Award”
Awards Recognize Organizational Commitment to World-Class Employee Learning
LAKEWOOD, WA – Pierce Transit is proud to announce that it ranked 26th in the American Society for Training & Development’s 2010 BEST Awards program. Pierce Transit is among 31 organizations from India, Singapore, Turkey, and the United States to receive an ASTD BEST Award. All winners are recognized in a special section of the October 2010 issue of Training + Development (T+D), ASTD’s monthly magazine. Members of Pierce Transit’s Organizational Learning Team received the ASTD BEST Award on September 30. Pierce Transit’s Project Innovation and PT Tomorrow leveraged employee’s current skills with learning development and project-based research to create solid business concepts. These initiatives have helped the agency navigate the difficult economic times by making employees more aware of performance measures and their role in achieving efficiency goals. “Employees have a better understanding of the importance of taking action to correct inefficiencies,” said Lynne Griffith, Pierce Transit CEO. “Learning is how we close the gap between where we are and where we want to be.” The BEST Awards recognize organizations that demonstrate enterprise-wide success through employee learning and development. “The ASTD BEST Awards are the training industry’s most rigorous and coveted recognition,” said Tony Bingham, ASTD’s president and CEO. “These 31 organizations excel in creating innovative learning cultures that clearly align with strategic business goals. And, they continue to demonstrate their commitment to workplace learning and development even during a challenging economic climate.” For the 2010 BEST Awards Pierce Transit competed against 104 organizations in 9 countries. These organizations submitted quantitative and qualitative information to ASTD about their learning and development practices and programs. Applications were assessed in a blind review by members of the BEST Awards advisory committee, a select group of experts in the learning and development field. This is the eighth year of the ASTD BEST Awards. More information about the 2010 ASTD BEST Award winners may be found in the October 2010 issue of T+D magazine and online: www.astd.org/best. Details about the 2011 ASTD BEST Awards program will be available next February. About ASTD ASTD (the American Society for Training & Development) is the world’s largest association dedicated to the training and development field. ASTD’s members come from more than 100 countries and connect locally in 130 U.S. chapters and with 30 International Partners. For more information, visit www.astd.org.
Survey Seeks to Uncover Public Views of Regional Transportation System
Commuter Challenge announced today that it has partnered with Trip Convergence Ltd. to conduct a transportation users survey. The survey will look at what choices people have available to them, how they use the transportation system, and how well it is working for them. It also asks for views about spontaneous carpooling.
Commuter Challenge is asking all commuters to do the survey, regardless of how they use the transportation system. This includes: people who drive alone to work; devoted transit riders; cyclists; carpoolers; walkers; telecommuters; and especially those who use more than one mode. The organization hopes to gain insights into what is working for people and where new ideas are needed. “By going directly to the people who use our transportation system on a day-to-day basis, we’ll be better able to make recommendations and develop new solutions,” said Steve Gerritson, executive director of Commuter Challenge.
A program of enterpriseSeattle, Commuter Challenge is especially interested in this project because of the clear link between transportation and economic development. “The recent Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index report shows the negative impact long commutes have on workers, both emotionally and physically,” said Jeff Marcell, CEO of enterpriseSeattle. “With healthcare costs rising for individuals and businesses alike, a healthy workforce is more important than ever. The movement of freight and support services on our streets and highways is vital to the economy of our region. The health of our employees is equally important.”
To participate in the Commuter Challenge survey, go to www.commuterchallenge.org. Click on the survey button in the top right corner of the page. The survey is more in-depth than most internet surveys and takes an average of 15 minutes to complete. To thank people for their time, a prize drawing for a $500 gift card will be held.
For more information, contact Steve Gerritson at sgerritson@enterpriseseattle.org or 206-389-8656.
An initiative of enterpriseSeattle, Commuter Challenge works with local public/private partners to: provide information, technical assistance, and incentives to employers and employees to help reduce the number of vehicles on our roads; develop and implement innovative programs to encourage changes in individual commute behavior; and propose and support policies that offer real solutions to transportation problems and make good business sense.
September 13, 2010 Retailer partnerships expand ORCA riders’ options
SEATTLE - Transit riders have more options for saving money and convenient travel as the number of retail outlets where customers can add value to their ORCA cards grows. So far this summer, 47 Safeway outlets around the Puget Sound region now allow customers to purchase E-purse value or transit passes on their previously issued ORCA cards. In the coming months more outlets are on tap to join the current list of 61 retail locations. “This new convenience provides yet another reason to get ORCA,” said Kevin Desmond, King County Metro Transit General Manager. “ORCA customers will appreciate being able to pay for their transit service at the same place they buy bread, milk and other staples of everyday life.” ORCA, One Regional Card for All, is the electronic fare system for seven transportation agencies in the Puget Sound region. Customers can load pre-paid fare value, called E-purse, or a period pass like a monthly transit pass, and use their ORCA card on buses and trains throughout King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties, on Washington State Ferries and on the West Seattle and Vashon Island water taxis. On some systems, ORCA is the only way to get a free transfer. The expanding list of retail outlets provide great options for revaluing existing cards. Initially, riders must acquire their cards through one of several other convenient options. Customers can order their ORCA cards online at www.orcacard.com, by calling 1-888-988-ORCA (6722), or by visiting a transit agency customer service center or fare vending machine. Getting an ORCA card for reduced youth or senior fares requires a one-time visit to a customer service center. Once a customer gets an ORCA card through one of these channels, the card can be revalued at a participating retailer’s service center. The new Safeway partnership greatly expands the number of locations where riders can instantly add value to previously issued ORCA cards. This means a rider can use the value on his or her ORCA card right after walking out of the store. Adding value online or by phone takes 24 to 48 hours to process. Riders can avoid this delay by visiting retail outlets, fare vending machines and ORCA customer service centers — or by setting up their ORCA cards with “Autoload,” an automatic revaluing feature. In addition to the Safeway stores, 14 other retail outlets are currently participating in the ORCA program including seven Saar’s Marketplace locations. Later this year, QFC stores around the region will offer ORCA services. Updated listings of participating retailers will be posted at www.orcacard.com. Launched in 2009, ORCA has replaced about 300 various transportation passes, tickets and transfers with a single card that works by simply tapping the card on an ORCA card reader. For information about ORCA visit www.orcacard.com or call 1-888-988-6722 (ORCA), TTY Relay 711 or 888-889-6368.
August 30, 2010 Pierce Transit Labor Day Bus Schedule On Labor Day, Monday, September, 6, Pierce Transit local bus service and the SHUTTLE paratransit service will operate on a Sunday schedule. Pierce Transit administrative offices and all Bus Shop facilities will be closed. Telephone information will not be available. Intercity Transit’s local and Olympia Express services will operate on a Sunday schedule.
LAKEWOOD, WA – The public is invited to attend an August 30, 2010 Pierce Transit Board of Commissioners Finance Committee meeting to comment on proposed fare increases for local fixed route bus, SHUTTLE, and Vanpool services that would be implemented in November 1, 2010. In July, the Pierce Transit Board of Commissioners selected a plan to preserve service levels with the goal of providing financially sustainable public transportation that area residents value and use. The Board directed staff to put forward a ballot proposition for the February 8, 2011 election to exercise the final 0.3% sales tax authority available to Pierce Transit to provide funding to meet current service demands. The Pierce Transit Board also directed staff to find more efficiencies without impacting service until the voters have their say in February of 2011. The Agency is identifying solutions that cut costs and increase revenue. In order to raise revenue, Pierce Transit is proposing to increase fares. Youth, Senior, and Disabled fares were last increased in March 2006. Regular adult fares were last increased in January 2009. Vanpool fares were last increased in October 2008. The proposed fares increases and more information can be found here. The August 30 Pierce Transit Board of Commissioners Finance Committee meeting will take place at 4:30 p.m. at Pierce Transit’s Training Center, Rainier Room, located at 3720 96th Street SW, Lakewood, WA. Registered SHUTTLE customers may obtain specialized transportation to and from the hearing by calling SHUTTLE at 253-581-8100 from one to five days in advance of the hearing. An interpreter for the hearing impaired will be provided upon request with a minimum notice of two weeks.
July 16, 2010
Pierce Transit Preservation Plan
Lakewood, WA – Details regarding the Pierce Transit Preservation Plan, the system redesign alternative selected by the Pierce Transit Board of Commissioners at their July 2010 meeting, are now available at www.pttomorrow.org Modifications were made to the plan after the June 2010 Public Hearing regarding PT Tomorrow design alternatives. The focus of the Preservation Plan is to maintain service levels similar to current operations. Highlights of the June 2010 modifications include: Milton
July 12, 2010
Lakewood, WA – The Pierce Transit Board of Commissioners on Monday evening selected a plan to preserve service levels with the goal of providing financially sustainable public transportation that area residents value and use. The Board directed staff to put forward a ballot proposition for the February 8, 2011 election to exercise the final 0.3% sales tax authority available to Pierce Transit to provide funding to meet current service demands.
Over the last year, Pierce Transit has carefully developed and refined service plans centered on three rounds of extensive public input. The final alternatives were based on two funding levels; one that reduces service while utilizing the current sales tax level of 0.6% (6 cents on a $10 purchase), and one that preserves service by exercising the remaining sales tax authority of 0.3% (an additional 3 cents on a $10 purchase).
Since the beginning of the recession, Pierce Transit has been actively addressing the impacts of sharp declines in sales tax revenue. The agency was one of the first entities to experience a layoff of personnel –a five percent reduction. Pierce Transit delayed or eliminated capital projects, reduced service by nearly six percent, and increased regular adult fares by 25 cents. Those actions combined with employee identified operational efficiencies have saved over $72 million.
The Pierce Transit Board also directed staff to continue to look for ways to cut more costs without impacting service until the voters have their say in February of 2011. Updated maps and information for the adopted plan will be posted on www.pttomorrow.org on Friday, July 16.
Ride Pierce Transit to JBLM Air Expo 2010
LAKEWOOD, WA – On Saturday, July 17, and Sunday, July 18, Pierce Transit will provide round-trip express service to Joint Base Lewis-McChord Air Expo 2010 at McChord Field. Pierce Transit will offer express service at no charge to riders. The service will begin at 7:30 a.m. and depart every 15 minutes from two locations, the parking lot behind the Barnes & Noble and Target stores at Lakewood Towne Center and the Lakewood Sounder Station at 11424 Pacific Highway. The last buses will depart from these locations to the event at 2:30 p.m. each day. All bus service, including return bus service, will stop running at approximately 3:00 p.m. each day during the Patriots Jet Team aerial demonstration. Return bus service will resume upon the conclusion of the aerial demonstration and run through approximately 5 p.m. The flying is scheduled to start at 11:00 a.m. both days. For additional information about express bus service to the Air Expo or other Pierce Transit services, please call Customer Services at 253-581-8000, or visit www.piercetransit.org.
On Independence Day, Sunday, July 4, Pierce Transit local bus service and the SHUTTLE paratransit service will operate on a Sunday schedule, with the exception of Route 13 which will operate every 15 minutes from noon until 7:30pm and resume following the Freedom Fair fireworks. Pierce Transit administrative offices and Bus Shops will be closed. Telephone information will be available 9am to 5pm. Intercity Transit’s local and Olympia Express services will operate on a Sunday schedule. Sound Transit Express Bus service and Tacoma Link will operate on a Sunday schedule. Sound Transit Sounder train service will not operate. On Monday, July 5, Pierce Transit local bus service and the SHUTTLE paratransit service will operate on a Saturday schedule. Pierce Transit administrative offices and the Downtown Tacoma and Tacoma Dome Station Bus Shops will be closed. The Lakewood Bus Shop will be open 10am and 2pm. Telephone information will be available 9am to 5pm. Intercity Transit’s local and Olympia Express services will be operating on a weekday schedule. Sound Transit Sounder train service will not operate. Sound Transit Express bus and Tacoma Link service will operate on a Sunday schedule. Ride the Freedom Fair Express on Sunday, July 4 to Old Town from the Tacoma Dome Station or Tacoma Community College. Service starts at 10am and runs every 15 minutes until 8pm. The express service delivers you to your car at either location following the fireworks show. A single ride is $1.75, or ride all day for $3.50. For additional information call Pierce Transit Customer Services at 253.581.8000, or download Pierce Transit's Freedom Fair brochure
REMINDER: PT Tomorrow June 14 Public Hearing
Pierce Transit has been working closely with the public for the last year to redesign services to match sustainable funding levels. The public is encouraged to attend and make comments on the impacts of the alternatives, based on reductions and growth, at a public hearing on June 14th. Public Hearing on System Redesign Alternatives June 14th 4:00pm Pierce Transit Training Center 3720 96th St SW, Lakewood 98499 Served by Routes 48, 300 Comments made online at www.PTTomorrow .org and at our recent PT Tomorrow Open Houses will be included with comments made at the June 14th public hearing. Registered SHUTTLE customers may obtain specialized transportation to and from the public hearing by calling SHUTTLE at 253.581.8100 at least one day in advance of the public hearing.
May 24, 2010
On Memorial Day, Monday, May 31, Pierce Transit local bus service and the SHUTTLE paratransit service will operate on a Sunday schedule. Pierce Transit administrative offices and all Bus Shop facilities will be closed. Telephone information will not be available. Intercity Transit’s local and Olympia Express services will be operating on a Sunday schedule.
LAKEWOOD, WA- Pierce Transit will be reinstalling and rededicating the Parkland World War II memorial plaque on Armed Services Day, Saturday, May 15. The ceremony will be held at 10:00 am at the Pierce Transit Parkland Transit Center (see details below). The memorial plaque was originally installed in October 1948 and was stolen in September 2007. The thieves sold it to a metal recycling business. The plaque was eventually identified and returned to Pierce Transit. The bronze plaque required extensive repair and is now ready to be reinstalled in its original location. Please join State Senator Rosa Franklin, members of the American Legion Post 2 - Parkland, Parkland Community Association, Bethel High School Junior ROTC cadets, Pierce Transit employees, community representatives, and others as we pay tribute to the 15 people from the Parkland area who gave their lives in service of our country in World War II. Where: Pierce Transit Parkland Transit Center 213 South 121st Street Tacoma, WA (1/2 block west of Pacific Avenue in Parkland) When: Saturday, May 15th 10 a.m. Armed Forces Day
April 22, 2010
Almost 200,000 daily boardings and counting as ORCA turns one year old Earth Day: a great time to get ORCA and climb aboard buses, trains, ferries This week the Puget Sound region’s ORCA smart card program turned one year old. So far, almost 200,000 riders use ORCA on the average weekday. The ORCA program got underway with a limited rollout that began on April 20, 2009. The full rollout took place in September and gathered steam in January as ORCA replaced most of the region’s other transit passes and became the lowest-cost way to transfer from one transit system to another. “As of last week an average of 196,778 riders around the region were boarding buses, trains and ferries with ORCA each weekday,” said ORCA Joint Board Chair and Sound Transit CEO Joni Earl. “We’d like to thank the growing crowd of ORCA users. For those who don’t have ORCA yet, there’s no better time than Earth Day to get ORCA and start taking public transportation instead of driving.” “The success of ORCA would not have been possible without the strong collaborative effort shown by our seven regional transit agencies,” said ORCA Joint Board Vice Chair and King County Metro Transit General Manager Kevin Desmond. “Behind the ORCA card are scores of dedicated professionals who have worked hard to create an easy-to-use pass that allows our customers to conveniently transfer from one transit system to another.” With ORCA, the environmental benefits of riding transit go beyond reducing vehicle emissions. Unlike older passes and paper tickets, ORCA cards can be reused for several years. Riders can go online or pick up the phone to add E-purse value or passes, avoiding unnecessary trips. ORCA is good on Community Transit, Everett Transit, King County Metro Transit, Kitsap Transit, Pierce Transit, Sound Transit and Washington State Ferries. ORCA is also good on the King County Water Taxis. ORCA makes it easier than ever to take transit throughout the four-county region with smart card technology. Gone are the days of rummaging for correct change and lost papers transfers. ORCA allows you to pay your fare quickly, with a simple tap of the card. The microchip inside each ORCA card contains an E-purse that can be loaded with cash value that can be used for individual trips, or any number of passes that offer savings and convenience. With each trip, the correct fare, including any transfer value, is automatically deducted. ORCA’s conveniences also include allowing ORCA cardholders to check their accounts online, by phone or at a fare vending machine. Customers have the option to register their card, which allows them to restore their card value if it is lost or stolen. Registered cardholders can select an “Autoload” feature that adds value to a card automatically when the E-purse is empty or when the monthly pass expires. How to get an ORCA card There are lots of options. The most convenient option for ordering or adding value to an ORCA card is online 24 hours a day, seven days a week at www.orcacard.com. Cards are also available by phone, by mail, at 14 retail outlets, or vending machines at Sound Transit rail stations located throughout the region. More information is available on the ORCA Website. For information about ORCA: www.orcacard.com or 1-888-988-6722 (ORCA)/ TTY Relay: 711/ 888-889-6368
February 10, 2010
Pierce Transit Bus Schedule on Presidents' Day
On Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 15, Pierce Transit local bus service, BusPLUS, and the SHUTTLE paratransit service will operate on a regular weekday schedule. Pierce Transit administrative offices and all Bus Shop locations will be closed. Intercity Transit’s Olympia Express will be operating on a weekday schedule. Pierce Transit operated Olympia Express service will also operate on a weekday schedule. For additional information call Pierce Transit Customer Service at 253.581.8000.
Jan. 29, 2010
Pierce Transit adds service in the South Hill Mall and Canyon Road area
TACOMA - Pierce Transit is adding a new route to improve service in and around the Canyon Road and South Hill Mall areas, effective Monday, February 8. Introducing Route 446 – Canyon Road – South Hill Mall Bus PLUS The route serves the South Hill Mall Transit Center, 104th Street East, Canyon Road, 160th Street East, and the Meridian Center. Buses operate two-way service on weekdays only from 5:15am to 8:40pm, every two hours. This service, called Bus PLUS, is designed for the unique requirements of this area. It provides regularly scheduled service to specific bus stops and service “by request” to designated stops away from the route. A rider can call to request a pick-up at a non-scheduled stop location one to five days in advance. A reservation can be made between 8am and 5pm by calling 253.581.8002. Bus PLUS service is designed to provide direct access to home, shopping, work, and connections to other regular transit service using 25-foot long vans with distinctive graphics. The smaller vehicles allow for more efficient operation and flexibility in a rural environment. All the vehicles are wheelchair accessible and have bike racks. The Bus Plus regular fare is $1.75, same as regular bus service, and discount fare of $.75 for youth, seniors*, and people with disabilities*. Additional Changes in Service Schedule changes have been made in numerous routes to reflect actual running times, improve on-time performance, improve connections with other routes, and to adjust for low ridership on specific trips. Pierce Transit is continuing to experience a significant decline in our largest source of revenue, the local sales tax. The Transit Planning staff is strategically eliminating portions of routes and some services that are unproductive. This will help close the budget gap while allowing Pierce Transit to provide the high quality of service our riders expect.
Additional information on Route 446 and other changes to transit service is available on the Pierce Transit web site at www.piercetransit.org, or by calling Customer Services at 253.581.8000. You can also refer to the Rider Alert or the February 7 edition of The Bus Stops Here now available onboard Pierce Transit buses.
*Requires a Regional Reduced Fare Permit.
Jan. 15, 2010
No-fee ORCA card promotion extended one month. Due to high demand, transit card fee will continue to be waived through Feb. 28
ORCA smart cards, which are gaining popularity among Puget Sound transit riders, will now be available with no fee through Feb. 28. Starting March 1, 2010 a standard adult or youth ORCA card will cost $5. The promotion had been scheduled to end on Jan. 31.
“Due to the high demand for ORCA all across the region, we are extending the deadline for no-fee cards,” said Kevin Desmond, King County Metro’s General Manager. “All of the partner agencies want to ensure that our customers have an opportunity to take advantage of this no-fee card offer during this transition period when demand is high and lines at customer service outlets can sometimes be long.”
The arrival of ORCA means that most transit riders can choose to never visit a customer service office again, with a one-time exception for people who must submit required documents for Regional Reduced Fare Permits or provide proof of age for Senior or Youth discounts. Customers can avoid long lines during the transition by buying cards online or at ticket vending machines.
The “blank” ORCA cards available with no fee through February must be loaded with e-purse value and/or passes. The extended no-fee promotion should help ease the transition to ORCA and reduce temporary high volumes of activity at customer service centers. Each of the ORCA partner agencies has been taking additional special measures to meet the high demand.
Riders who use a Regional Reduced Fare Permit (RRFP) are reminded that there is no charge for converting to the ORCA card. The best time to obtain an ORCA RRFP card at customer service offices is between the 10th and 20th of each month. First-time RRFP customers who qualify for the reduced fare must still pay an initial fee of $3.
King County has established a special Metro RRFP hotline number, (206) 205-9185 for customers who have questions about the transition to ORCA. They can also find more information online at: metro.kingcounty.gov/tops/accessible/reduced_fare_permit.html
Given the heightened interest in converting to ORCA, Metro Transit’s Seattle sales offices on the mezzanine level of Westlake Tunnel Station and at 201 S. Jackson St. will be open Saturdays beginning Jan. 31 and continuing through February. Metro also plans to boost staffing at its two customer service outlets. Customers can find out more about special Metro customer service hours at: metro.kingcounty.gov/cs/custserv.html.
Getting ORCA online or at a ticket vending machine is easy.
ORCA is a smart card-based electronic fare system for public transportation agencies serving King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties. ORCA is replacing about 300 various passes, tickets and transfers with a single card that works by simply tapping the ORCA card on a reader device. ORCA cards never expire but rather can be reloaded with a new pass or more e-purse value. Riders can even set up their ORCA cards with an “autoload” feature.
As of Jan. 1, 330,000 ORCA cards have been distributed. Average weekday ORCA boardings have increased from 86,000 in December to 154,000 so far this month, a 79 percent increase.
Information on customer service centers operated by the ORCA partner agencies is available on the agencies’ respective Web sites.
For information about ORCA: www.orcacard.com or 1-888-988-6722 (ORCA)/ TTY Relay: 711/ 888-889-6368
January 11, 2010 Pierce Transit Bus Schedule on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Tacoma, WA. - On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Monday, January18, Pierce Transit local bus service, Bus Plus, and the SHUTTLE paratransit service will operate on a regular weekday schedule. Pierce Transit administrative offices and all Bus Shop facilities will be closed. No telephone information will be available. Intercity Transit offices and the Olympia Express service will be operating on a weekday schedule. Pierce Transit operated Olympia Express service will also operate on a weekday schedule. For additional information call Pierce Transit Customer Services at 253.581.8000.
2009 Press Releases
December 30, 2009 Procession for Deputy Mundell will impact bus service Expect disruptions in Pierce County bus service on Tuesday, January 5, during the procession and memorial service for slain Deputy Sheriff Kent Mundell. On Tuesday, between approximately 10 a.m. and approximately 12 p.m., the memorial procession will travel north from the Puyallup Fair and Events Center along South Meridian, west on River Road, west on Puyallup Avenue, then south on D Street to the Tacoma Dome. The procession honoring Deputy Mundell will impact all traffic and travel - including Pierce Transit bus service on many bus routes, especially in the Puyallup and Tacoma Dome District areas. The Tacoma Dome Station will be closed to all bus traffic between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. Pierce Transit is rerouting buses around the procession. If your Tuesday travel plans take you near the procession area, give yourself plenty of time, travel before 10 a.m. or after 12 p.m., or be prepared for delays. Delays, route detours, and missed connections may occur on other routes as well. The following bus routes will be on detour beginning at 10:00 a.m. until approximately 12:00 p.m. Delays will occur on these routes: Pierce Transit 41 -No service on Pacific Ave. or Puyallup Ave. from 21st to Portland Ave. 42 - No service on Pacific Ave., Puyallup Ave. or “D”/McKinley St. from S.21st to E. 34th & McKinley 402 – No service on Meridian or 2nd/3rd St. from S. 15th to Valley Ave. 409 – No service on East Main from Meridian to 15th St. 500 – No service on Pacific Ave. or Puyallup Ave. from 21st to Portland Ave. 501 – No service on Pacific Ave. or Puyallup Ave. from 21st to Portland Ave. Sound Transit 574 – Passengers wanting to go to the Tacoma area will be dropped off at 10th & Commerce 594 – No service at 24th & Pacific or Tacoma Dome Station Intercity Transit 603 – No service at Tacoma Dome Station. Pierce Transit will operate limited bus service to the Tacoma Dome from Cheney Stadium at 2502 South Tyler Street. The service will be free to the public. Bus service will begin at 10:00 a.m. The last bus will leave from Cheney Stadium at 12:30 p.m. Buses will make return trips immediately following the conclusion of the memorial service. The public is encouraged to utilize the off-site parking lot. There will be no public parking at the Tacoma Dome. For additional information visit the Pierce Transit web site at www.piercetransit.org or call Pierce Transit Customer Services at 253.581.8000.
Route 1 No service on Pacific Ave. between S. 21st St and S. 38th St. Route 3 No service on Center St. and Pine St. between Wilkeson and S. 38th St. and no service on the regular route between 74th/Oakes and the Lakewood Transit Center. Route 42 No service between East “D” St. and McKinley Ave. north of 34th St. Route 48 Service will terminate at 96th and So. Tacoma Way. Passengers wishing to continue to Lakewood should transfer at S. 96th and Steele to the 55 Route to Parkland, then the 204 Route to Lakewood. Northbound riders do the reverse. Route 52 No service between Union Ave. at S. 35 and Pine St. at S. 36th. Route 53, 53A No service on Pacific Ave. between S. 21st. and S. 38th St. and no service between Tacoma Mall Transit Center and S. 56th at Tyler St. Route 57 No service between Union Ave. and Pine St. at 35th. Route 202 No service between S. 74nd St./ Tacoma Mall Blvd. and Lakewood. 202 will serve Lakewood Transit Center but no other stops west of I-5. Route 204 9:00 AM until approximately 1:00 PM, no service between 112th and Steele St. to 108th and Bridgeport. 204 will serve Lakewood Sounder Station and Lakewood Transit Center. Route 300 No service between Tacoma Mall Transit Center and McChord AFB, but route will terminate at Lakewood Sounder Station and connect with other routes. No service to SR 512 Park & Ride or McChord AFB from 9:00 AM until approximately 1:00 PM. Routes 574 and 594 (Sound Transit) Will not serve SR 512 Park & Ride from 9:00 AM until approximately 1:00 PM, but will serve the Lakewood Sounder Station where they will connect with other routes. 574 will continue to serve Lakewood Transit Center. Route 603 (Intercity Transit) Will not serve SR 512 Park & Ride from 9:00 AM until approximately 1:00 PM, but will serve the Lakewood Sounder Station where it will connect with other routes.
Cheney Stadium, 2502 South Tyler Street, Tacoma Tacoma Mall – North Parking Lot (across the parking lot from Macy’s, near the Goodyear Tire store) (Note: not near the Firestone Tire store as previously mentioned)
November 19, 2009 Ride FREE on Pierce Transit this Thanksgiving Day On Thanksgiving Day Pierce Transit will provide free rides on local buses and SHUTTLE. Schedule:
On Thanksgiving Day, Thursday November 26, Pierce Transit local bus service, SHUTTLE, and Sound Transit Express service will operate on a Sunday schedule. Tacoma Link will operate on a holiday schedule. Bus Plus, Olympia Express, Intercity Transit buses and offices, and Sounder commuter rail will not operate. On the Friday after Thanksgiving, Pierce Transit local bus service, SHUTTLE, and Sound Transit Express, Tacoma Link, and Intercity Transit will operate on a normal weekday schedule. Sounder commuter rail will operate on a modified holiday schedule; please refer to their website for the detailed time table. Pierce Transit administrative offices and the Bus Shop locations on Commerce Street and at the Tacoma Dome Station will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and on Friday, November 27. The Lakewood Bus Shop sales office will be closed on Thanksgiving and open on Friday from 10am – 4pm; phone information is available from 9am – 5 p.m. For additional information call Pierce Transit Customer Service at 253.581.8000
November 5, 2009 Pierce Transit Veterans Day Schedule On Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, Pierce Transit local bus service, Bus PLUS, and SHUTTLE service will operate on a regular weekday schedule.
Pierce Transit administrative offices and all Bus Shop facilities will be closed. No telephone information will be available. Intercity Transit offices and the Olympia Express service will be operating on a weekday schedule. Pierce Transit Olympia Express service will operate on a weekday schedule.
October 29, 2009
Lars Erickson, Public Relations Officer Pierce Transit 253-984-8218 lerickson@piercetransit.org
Mark Fulghum, Public Information Officer Tacoma Police Department 253-591-5968 MFULGHUM@ci.tacoma.wa.us
Stacy Flores, Public Information Officer Tacoma Public Schools 253-571-1015 sflores@tacoma.k12.wa.us
TACOMA, Wash. – Starting Friday, Oct. 30, Pierce Transit, the Tacoma Police Department, and the Tacoma Public Schools are partnering for “NOT ON OUR BUS,” a three week zero-tolerance enforcement operation of unlawful and disruptive conduct on bus routes, at transit centers, and at bus stops near certain high schools. Uniformed Pierce Transit Police and Security Officers along with Tacoma Police Officers will increase their presence on buses and conduct spot checks of identified bus stops and boarding areas near schools. Undercover Pierce Transit Police and Security Officers and Tacoma Police Officers will also be riding buses and monitoring transit centers to enforce the State of Washington and Tacoma’s Unlawful Transit Conduct Codes. Emphasis areas: Pierce Transit Routes: 1, 10, 11, 16, 51, 53 Pierce Transit Facilities: Lakewood Mall Transit Center Tacoma Community College Transit Center Tacoma Dome Station Tacoma Mall Transit Center Tacoma Public Schools: Foss High School Lincoln High School Mt Tahoma High School Stadium High School Wilson High SchoolRiders who are found to be violating the Unlawful Transit Conduct Codes may be held immediately accountable by exclusion from Pierce Transit services for 90 days.
For information about Washington and Tacoma’s Unlawful Transit Conduct Codes, visit http://www.piercetransit.org/alerts/rcw.htm.
September 1, 2009
Pierce Transit Labor Day Schedule
Lakewood, WA –On Labor Day, Monday, September, 7, Pierce Transit local bus service and the SHUTTLE paratransit service will operate on a Sunday schedule. Pierce Transit administrative offices and all Bus Shop facilities will be closed. Telephone information will not be available. Intercity Transit’s local and Olympia Express services will operate on a Sunday schedule. Sound Transit Sounder Train service will not operate. Sound Transit Express Bus service will operate on a Sunday schedule. Tacoma Link will operate a Sunday schedule; operating every 20 minutes, 10am to 6pm. For additional information call Pierce Transit Customer Service at 253.581.8000
Lakewood, WA – Thirteen Special Commissioned Peace Officers were sworn in as members of the Pierce Transit Uniformed Security Division on Tuesday at a graduation ceremony celebrating their completion of rigorous public transportation and public safety coursework. The two sergeants and eleven uniformed security officers participated in 52 classes over a five week period. “I am very proud of the inaugural class of Pierce Transit Commissioned Peace Officers,” said Lynne Griffith, Pierce Transit CEO. “Not only did they excel in their class work, they are pioneers in the public transportation industry. Their work will be a blue print for transit policing all across the country.” Pierce Transit is Washington’s first and only public transportation agency to have a general authority commissioned police department (Department of Public Safety). The Uniformed Security Division is one of three divisions of the Pierce Transit Department of Public Safety; they will support the Transit Police and the Physical Security Divisions. Pierce Transit’s Department of Public Safety closely collaborates with 44 different law enforcement jurisdictions across Pierce, King and Thurston Counties. Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy gave opening remarks and Sheriff Paul Pastor was the keynote speaker at the graduation ceremony. The new Special Commissioned Peace Officers will next participate in seven weeks of comprehensive field training.
PIERCE TRANSIT OPERATOR NUMBER ONE IN THE NATION! Lakewood, WA - For the second time in three years, Pierce Transit Bus Operator Brentt Mackie has been awarded the First Place trophy in the 40-foot Transit Coach Division at the 2009 International Bus Roadeo that just concluded in Seattle. “I’m very proud of Brentt. He has consistently performed outstanding in local, state, and international competitions. He is admired by his Roadeo peers and consistently represents Pierce Transit admirably,” said Lynne Griffith, Pierce Transit CEO. “Brentt’s award for a second time in three years confirms Pierce Transit is home to the best. There are many incredible people like Brentt at Pierce Transit – operators, supervisors, police officers, managers, mechanics, customer service reps, SHUTTLE employees, and professional staff that are hard at work trying to make the ride with Pierce Transit just a little bit better. Congratulations Brentt!” The Roadeo competition requires drivers to maneuver their vehicles through an intricate maze of graded exercises that includes serpentine turns, passenger stops, and reverse turns that duplicate the demanding requirements of everyday driving. The final exercise is high-speed braking where operators maneuver through a row of ten 55-gallon barrels spaced only inches wider than the bus. The Pierce Transit Maintenance Team made up of Journey Level Mechanic Jose Guzman, Mechanic I Mike Cosentino, and Apprentice Mechanic David Kreienbrink also worked extremely well together this year. The event is sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association and coincides with the annual convention being held this year in Seattle. The Bus Roadeo was developed to provide participants with positive, job-related motivation by emphasizing the important role played by bus drivers and mechanics in providing transit customers with safe and reliable transit service.
April 17, 2009
Geoff Patrick, Sound Transit | (206) 398-5313 | geoff.patrick@soundtransit.org
Rochelle Ogershok, King County Metro | (206) 296-6515 | rochelle.ogershok@kingcounty.gov
ORCA smart card limited rollout gets underway. Phased introduction begins April 20 and will continue through 2009
SEATTLE - Traveling the Puget Sound region by bus, train and ferry will get even easier this spring and summer with the arrival of ORCA—One Regional Card for All.
ORCA will make rummaging for correct change a thing of the past. When boarding, ORCA riders will simply tap their new smart cards on a reader device. The electronic fare system will replace about 300 various passes, tickets and transfers with a single card that works for all seven of the major public transportation agencies serving King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties. A limited rollout of the system will begin April 20 at the same time the partner agencies work to identify and resolve remaining technical issues in a live environment. The limited rollout will continue for several weeks followed by a more extensive ORCA launch and customer awareness campaign expected to begin in June. The phase-in of ORCA will continue through the end of the year as people’s current transit passes expire and are replaced by ORCA cards. The phased process will give transit customers and the agencies time to transition to the new system. The seven ORCA partners are Community Transit, Everett Transit, King County Metro Transit, Kitsap Transit, Pierce Transit, Sound Transit and Washington State Ferries. Together, the agencies serve more than half of Washington’s population and carry more than 500,000 riders daily.
How ORCA works ORCA is a durable, plastic smart card containing a microprocessor. Passengers will simply “tap” their ORCA card on a card reader on board buses or at train, light rail and ferry stations, and enjoy their ride. ORCA cards come equipped with an “E-purse” function that allows a rider to preload fare value onto the card. With each trip — whether the trip involves one agency’s system or transfers between systems — the correct total fare amount, including any transfer value, is automatically deducted from the value on the card. Riders can also take unlimited trips by purchasing a monthly pass on their ORCA card.With ORCA, customers will have more options for paying their transit fare. Riders can buy and revalue ORCA cards online, by phone, by mail, and in person at transit agency customer service offices, ticket vending machines and select retail businesses around the region. ORCA cardholders can check their accounts online, by phone or at ticket vending machines. Customers will have the option to register their cards, which allows them to restore their card value if it is lost or stolen. Registered cardholders can select an “Autoload” feature that can add value to a card when their E-purse is drawn down to a certain amount or when their monthly pass expires. Cash will continue to be accepted on all of the transit systems. However, the transit agencies plan to eliminate paper transfers for trips between multiple agencies as more customers move to the ORCA card. With ORCA, a valid transfer will automatically be available for subsequent rides on trains and buses within two hours. Once the phase-in of the ORCA system is complete, riders using cash instead of an ORCA card to transfer between different agencies’ systems will pay the full fare for each leg of their ride. During the phased rollout of ORCA, riders can get an ORCA card at no charge. After the rollout, it will cost $5 to purchase an ORCA card ($3 for Regional Reduced Fare Permit customers) in addition to the value the rider loads. Under normal wear, ORCA cards are expected to last three to five years before they need to be replaced.
When to get ORCA The limited rollout of ORCA in the coming weeks will allow bus drivers, train and ferry operators, and other agency staff to adjust to the new system. During this time, a number of transit riders will opt to be early adopters and begin using ORCA right away. Riders who purchase their own monthly transit pass will begin to receive ORCA cards instead of their usual PugetPass over the next couple of months. The majority of passholders receive their transit passes from their employers, and those customers will be converted beginning this summer as annual contracts come up for renewal. A major education campaign will also encourage cash-paying customers to switch to ORCA.This phased approach will allow for a gradual ramping up of our ORCA customer base that will make it easier to identify and correct operational or service problems that arise. Customers are invited to report problems or offer comments on the system at 1-888-988-6722 (ORCA) and via www.orcacard.com.ORCA (One Regional Card for All) is the Puget Sound region’s transportation smart card. Similar systems exist in Hong Kong (Octopus), London (Oyster), Seoul (I Am), Boston (Charlie Card), Washington, D.C. (SmarTrip), the Bay Area (TransLink) and Houston (Q Card), as well as other cities. The ORCA project is on track for completion within the original contract budget of $43 million.
For information about ORCA starting April 20: www.orcacard.com or 1-888-988-6722 (ORCA)/ TTY Relay: 711
March 9, 2009
Virginia Miller | 202. 496.4816 | vmiller@apta.com
10.7 Billion Trips Taken On U.S. Public Transportation In 2008 Highest Level in 52 Years; Ridership Increased as Gas Prices Decline and Jobs Were Lost
Despite falling gas prices and an economic recession, increasing numbers of Americans took 10.7 billion trips on public transportation in 2008, the highest level of ridership in 52 years and a modern ridership record, according to a report released today by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). This represents a 4.0 percent increase over the number of trips taken in 2007 on public transportation, while at the same time, vehicle miles traveled (VMTs) on our nation’s roads declined by 3.6 percent in 2008, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. “Even as gas prices fell for the second half of the year and hundreds of thousands of people lost jobs, more and more people chose to ride public transportation throughout the country,” said APTA president William W. Millar. “Given our current economic condition, people are looking for ways to save money and taking public transportation offers a substantial savings of more than $8,000 a year. That’s quite a savings.” This ridership record continues a long term trend of ridership growth. Public transportation use is up 38% percent since 1995, a figure that is almost triple the growth rate of the population (14 percent) and up substantially over the growth rate for the vehicle miles traveled (VMT) on our nation’s highways (21%) for that same period. Millar announced the ridership increase before more than 600 public transit leaders at an APTA conference in Washington, D.C. He noted that the record ridership shows the clear demand for public transit and compelling need for increased investment at the federal, state, and local levels. Millar also announced the launch of a new advocacy campaign, Public Transportation Takes Us There, which is aimed at building congressional support for the authorization of the federal surface transportation legislation, which expires Sept. 30, 2009. “Now, more than ever, the value of public transportation is evident and the public has clearly demonstrated that they want and need more public transit services,” said Millar. “Public transportation is good for the economy, good for the environment and good for energy independence and now is the time for the federal government to increase its investment in public transportation.” Beyond the need for greater public transit investment in a new federal surface transportation bill (the current one legislation expires September 30, 2009), and the 2010 appropriations bill, APTA is advocating for the inclusion of public transportation investment in any energy or climate change bill. “Every year, public transportation saves 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline and reduces our nation’s carbon emissions by 37 million metric tons,” said Millar. “Clearly, public transportation is part of the solution for our country’s national goals of energy independence and carbon emissions reduction. Millar also called on local and state governments to increase their investment in public transportation. Currently, transit systems are facing fare increases, service reductions, and layoffs – at a time of record ridership – because of declining state and local revenues. 2008 Ridership Breakdown For the second year in a row, ridership on all modes of public transportation increased in every quarter.
Light rail (modern streetcars, trolleys, and heritage trolleys) had the highest percentage of annual ridership increase among all modes, with an 8.3 percent increase in 2008. The light rail system that started in November 2007 in Charlotte, NC showed the highest percentage of increase with an annual 862 percent increase. The New Orleans, LA light rail system, which is still recovering from Hurricane Katrina, had an annual increase of 218 percent. Light rail systems with double digit ridership in 2008 were located in the following areas: Buffalo (23.9%); Philadelphia (23.3 %); Sacramento (14.4%); Baltimore (13.7%); Minneapolis (12.3%); Salt Lake City (12.3%); the state of New Jersey (10.9%); Denver (10.5%); and Dallas (10.2%). Commuter rail increased in 2008 by 4.7 percent. The commuter rail systems with the double digit ridership growth rate in 2008 were located in the following areas: Albuquerque (35.1%); Portland, ME (26.5%); Seattle (23.8%); Pompano Beach, FL (22.9%); Harrisburg-Philadelphia (17.7%); New Haven (17.5%); Oakland (16.1%); Stockton, CA (14.7%); Dallas-Fort Worth (14.1%); San Carlos, CA (12.5%). Heavy rail (subways) ridership increased by 3.5% in 2008. The heavy rail systems with the highest increases in ridership for 2008 were in the following cities: San Juan (13.3%); Lindenwold, NJ (9.9%); Atlanta (8.6%); Miami (8.2%), Boston (7.9%), and Los Angeles (7.7%). Bus service saw an increase of 3.9 percent, but in communities with a population of less than 100,000, bus services saw an increase of 9.3 percent in 2008. Major increases by large bus agencies occurred in the following cities: Phoenix (11.5%); San Antonio (10.2%); San Diego (10.0%); St. Louis (8.9%); Baltimore (8.7%); and Denver (8.6%).
PIERCE TRANSIT BUS RIDERSHIP FIGURES
Pierce Transit experienced an 11.0* percent increase from 2007 to 2008, with 14.5 million boardings in 2007 and 16.1* million in 2008. This significant increase in ridership continues as Pierce Transit experiences an unprecedented decline in sales tax collections (-7 percent from 2007 to 2008). For more information about Pierce Transit’s ridership, please contact Lars Erickson at 253-984-8218. Pierce Transit Annual Ridership 2008* 16.1 million boardings 2007 14.5 million boardings (11.0 percent increase from 2007 to 2008) 2006 13.6 million boardings (18.4 percent increase from 2006 to 2008) 2005 13.3 million boardings (21.1 percent increase from 2005 to 2008) *preliminary unaudited 2008 ridership
Demand response (paratransit) increased in 2008 by 5.9 percent. To see the complete APTA ridership report go to http://www.apta.com/research/stats/ridership For more information on public transportation’s role in climate change and energy independence, go to http://publictransportation.org/takesusthere/legislative.html
APTA is a nonprofit international association of 1,500 member organizations including public transportation systems; planning, design, construction and finance firms; product and service providers; academic institutions; and state associations and departments of transportation. APTA members serve the public interest by providing safe, efficient and economical public transportation services and products. APTA members serve more than 90 percent of persons using public transportation in the United States and Canada.
February 10, 2009 For More Information Contact: Lind Simonsen, Community Relations Pierce Transit (253) 581-8034 Pierce Transit Presidents’ Day Schedule On Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 16, Pierce Transit local bus service and the SHUTTLE paratransit service will operate on a Saturday schedule with the following exceptions: 495, 496 and 497 will operate on President’s Day even though they do not normally provide Saturday service. Trips on these three routes will be available to meet the Sounder Train holiday schedule.
Bus Plus will not operate. Pierce Transit administrative offices and all Bus Shop facilities will be closed. Intercity Transit’s Olympia Express will be operating on a weekday schedule. Pierce Transit operated Olympia Express service will not be operating. For additional information call Pierce Transit Customer Service at 253. 581.8000, or visit the Pierce Transit web site at www.piercetransit.org.
February 4, 2009
Pierce Transit Route 497 connects Lakeland Hills to the Auburn Sounder Station AUBURN, Wash. – February 4, 2009 - Starting Feb. 9, Pierce Transit Route 497 will provide direct service between Lakeland Hills and the Auburn Commuter Rail Station with six morning and six evening trips each weekday. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 9 at 10:30 am at Sunset Park to kick off the first day of service. The ceremony will feature speakers from the City of Auburn and Pierce Transit. The Lakeland Hills Connector Service is a partnership between Pierce Transit, the City of Auburn, Sound Transit, and King County Metro Transit. It was created to help alleviate some of the commuter parking demand in downtown Auburn and provide much needed transit service to the residents of Lakeland Hills. There are two convenient Park & Ride lots available to riders, Sunset Park at 1306 69th St. SE and the Family Life Center Church of God at 116 Lakeland Hills Way SE. In addition, there are five stops located along Lakeland Hills Way. Regular Pierce Transit fares apply and riders can pay with cash, ticket or bus pass. On return trips from the Auburn Sounder Station, Route 497 will wait for the Sounder Train to arrive from Seattle before departing for Lakeland Hills. Passengers may also transfer to regional and local buses at the station. “We are very pleased to partner with the City of Auburn and our fellow regional transit agencies to develop an innovative business model for delivering new service,” said Lynne Griffith, Pierce Transit CEO. “By joining forces, we can be more efficient and address the needs of our growing communities.” "This service hopefully will help reduce the parking overflow at the Train Station,” said Roger Thordarson, Chairman of Auburn’s Transportation, Transit, and Trails Committee. “Parking at Auburn Station and throughout the region is becoming scarce as more people turn to transit for their commute. It’s this kind of innovative, collaborative thinking that is the key to finding solutions” said Joni Earl, Sound Transit CEO. "It's great that all of the partners could team up to lay the groundwork for the new Route 497 that is serving both King and Pierce counties," said King County Metro Transit General Manager Kevin Desmond. "Starting next year, funding from the voter-approved Transit Now initiative will cover a majority of the ongoing costs of operating this new route." For more information on the Lakeland Hills Connector Service (Pierce Transit Route 497), call Pierce Transit’s Customer Services at 253-581-8000 or visit online at www.piercetransit.org
Contact: Lars Erickson, Public Relations Officer Pierce Transit 253-984-8218 lerickson@piercetransit.org Tiffin Goodman, Transportation Planner City of Auburn 253-288-7447 tgoodman@auburnwa.gov Linda Thielke, KCDOT Public Affairs Coordinator King County Metro 206 -684-1414 linda.thielke@kingcounty.gov Linda Robson, Public Information Specialist Sound Transit 206-398-5149 linda.robson@soundtransit.org
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December 22, 2008
Pierce Transit Christmas and New Year’s Schedule // Ride for Free on Christmas Day
LAKEWOOD, WA – Pierce Transit will operate local bus and SHUTTLE service on a Sunday schedule on Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25, and New Year’s Day, Thursday, January 1.
On Christmas Day, Pierce Transit will provide local bus and SHUTTLE service for free.
There will be no Olympia Express service on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Pierce Transit will operate regular service schedules on Christmas Eve Day, Wednesday, December 24 and New Year’s Eve Day, Wednesday, December 31.
Also, Pierce Transit will resume regular schedules after Christmas on Friday, December 26 and after New Year’s Day on Friday, January 2.
Pierce Transit administrative offices and Bus Shops will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
For additional information call Pierce Transit Customer Service at 253-581-8000, or visit the Pierce Transit web site at www.piercetransit.org.
November 24, 2008
Pierce Transit Thanksgiving Schedule // Ride for Free on Thanksgiving Day
LAKEWOOD, WA – On Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27th, Pierce Transit services will operate on a Sunday schedule. There will be no Olympia Express service and Bus PLUS will not operate. Pierce Transit administrative offices and all Bus Shops will be closed. Pierce Transit will provide local bus and SHUTTLE service rides for free on Thanksgiving Day. On Friday, November 28th, Pierce Transit services will operate on a regular weekday schedule, administrative offices and the Commerce St. and Tacoma Dome Station Bus Shops will be closed. The Lakewood Bus Shop sales office will be open from 10am – 4pm, and phone information will be available from 9am – 5pm.
September 4, 2008
Pierce Transit Wins Award for Daffodil Bus
Lakewood, WA - Pierce Transit’s award winning Marketing Department has done it again, winning a First Place Award for the 2008 Daffodil Festival Bus in the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) 29th Annual AdWheel Awards. The awards recognize APTA member organizations for excellence in advertising, communication, marketing, and promotions.
A 40-foot bus was fully wrapped with a scene depicting an expansive field of yellow daffodils beneath a brilliant blue sky. Eight children, ages two through six, are pictured on the sides and back of the bus in playful poses, holding daffodils. They are all children of Pierce Transit employees. The bus was designed by Senior Marketing Design Specialist Lorie Bartnes and the children’s photography was done by Community Relations Coordinator Lind Simonsen.
The bus made its public appearance debut at the Junior Daffodil Parade on April 5, and the Grand Floral Parade on April 12. Every day the bus is assigned to different routes throughout the Pierce Transit service area, on any given day it can appear anywhere within the Pierce Transit 417 square-mile service area.
Pierce Transit will be recognized at a special ceremony during the October APTA Annual Meeting and EXPO 2008 in San Diego.
September 3, 2008
Take Pierce Transit to the Puyallup Fair
Lakewood, WA- Beginning Friday, September 5, through Sunday, September 21, ride Pierce Transit’s non-stop Puyallup Fair Express service from eight convenient Pierce County locations:
· Tacoma Community College Transit Center
· Tacoma Dome Station
· Downtown Tacoma (10th & Commerce, no free parking)
· South Hill Mall (Southeast lot near Meridian)
· Bonney Lake Park & Ride
· Sumner Train Station
· Lakewood Towne Center
· I-5/SR 512 Park & Ride (Sat/Sun Only)
Parking is FREE at all locations except Downtown Tacoma.
Express service runs often and conveniently drops off and picks up from the Blue Gate. Service is only $1.50 each way (exact change), for convenience it is highly recommended riders purchase a return ticket at their point of origin. Valid local transfers are worth $1.50 toward the fare. For senior or disabled riders, a Regional Reduced Fare Permit must be shown with a 75¢ fare.
Schedules vary by location, for more information call Pierce Transit Customer Service at 253-581-8000, or visit the Pierce Transit web site at www.piercetransit.org.
In 2007, Pierce Transit provided over 100,000 express trips during the Puyallup Fair.
August 27, 2008
LAKEWOOD, WA – On Labor Day, Monday, September 1st, Pierce Transit services will operate on a Sunday schedule. Bus PLUS will not operate.
Pierce Transit’s Olympia Express routes 601 and 603A will not be in operation. People planning transit travel between Tacoma and Olympia on Monday may take Intercity Transit route 620.
Pierce Transit administrative offices and all Bus Shop facilities will be closed.
For additional information call Pierce Transit Customer Service at 253-581-8000.
Pierce Transit Seeks Public Comment on Fare Revisions
LAKEWOOD, WA – The public is invited to attend a September 8th, 2008 Pierce Transit Board of Commissioners meeting to comment on a proposed fare revision that would be implemented in January 2009. The proposed fare would not impact local service fares for senior/disabled and youth riders, or SHUTTLE riders.
The proposed fares are as follows:
The last fare increase for Pierce Transit local routes was in March 2006; the Olympia Express fare has not changed since 1999.
The September 8th Pierce Transit Board of Commissioner’s meeting will take place at 4:00 P.M. in the Rainier Room of Pierce Transit’s Training Center, 3720 96th St. SW, Lakewood, WA.
From: American Public Transportation Association Transit News
Contacts: Virginia Miller, 202-496-4816 • Mantill Williams, 202-496-4869
PUBLIC TRANSIT USERS AVOID HIGH GAS PRICES: SAVE OVER $8,000 per HOUSEHOLD ANNUALLY
WASHINGTON, DC – A person can save more than $8,000 per year annually by taking public transportation instead of driving based on today’s gas prices, according to new analysis released today by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). According to APTA’s “Monthly Transit Savings Report” a person can save an average of $672 dollars per month based on today’s gas price of $3.909 as reported by AAA. The savings are more than the average household pays for food in a year.
APTA will release once a month a “Transit Savings Report” which shows how much a person can save on a monthly and yearly basis by taking public transit and living with one less car in his or her household. Gas prices have increased by 179.9 percent since 2003 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. After factoring in today’s average gas price and the average transit fare, the analysis shows that a person can save $672 a month and $8,059 per year by riding public transit. The annual cost savings is almost $2,000 more than the annual cost of food, according to the Food Institute ($6,111).
“We are releasing our ‘Transit Savings Report’ once a month to remind consumers that taking public transportation is the quickest way to save money and beat the high price of gasoline,” said William W. Millar, president of APTA. “In these tough economic times, a record number of Americans are saying my other car is the train or bus and it helps me balance my budget.”
The top 20 cities with the highest ridership are ranked in order of their transit savings based on the purchase of a monthly public transportation pass and factoring in today’s local gas prices.*
Top Twenty Cities – Transit Savings Report
*Based on gasoline prices as reported by AAA on 7/31/08.
APTA calculates the average cost of taking public transit by determining the average monthly transit pass of local public transit agencies across the country. This information is based on the annual APTA fare collection survey and is weighted based on ridership (unlinked passenger trips). The assumption is that a person making a switch to public transportation would likely purchase an unlimited pass on the local transit agency, typically available on a monthly basis.
APTA then compares the average monthly transit fare to the average cost of driving. The cost of driving is calculated using the 2008 AAA average cost of driving formula. AAA cost of driving formula is based on variable cost and fixed cost. The variable cost includes the cost of gas, maintenance and tires. The fixed cost includes insurance, license registration, depreciation and finance charges. The comparison also uses the average mileage of a mid-size auto at 23.4 miles per gallon and today’s price for self-serve regular unleaded as recorded by AAA at $3.909 per gallon. The analysis also assumes that a person will drive an average of 15,000 miles per year. The savings assumes a two person household will live with one less car.
To calculate your individual savings with or without car ownership, go to www.publictransportation.org.
Pierce Transit Board Elects New Officers
LAKEWOOD, WA – New officers were elected at the July Pierce Transit Board of Commissioners meeting. Dave Enslow, Mayor of Sumner, was elected Chair and Mike Lonergan, Tacoma City Councilmember, was elected Vice Chair.
Mayor Enslow replaces outgoing Chair, Pierce County Executive John Ladenburg, who will remain on the Board. Councilmember Lonergan replaces Mayor Enslow as Vice Chair.
“My sincere gratitude goes to County Executive Ladenburg for his service as Chair of the Pierce Transit Board of Commissioners,” said Pierce Transit CEO Lynne Griffith. “His vision and leadership ensures that Pierce Transit will continue to meet the needs of our community for many years to come. I look forward to working with Mayor Enslow and Councilmember Lonergan to build on our rich tradition of innovation.”
Pierce Transit is governed by a nine-member Board of Commissioners. The board is made up of elected officials representing Pierce County, Tacoma, Lakewood and the smaller towns and cities of our service area. The Board of Commissioners meets the second Monday of each month at 4:00 p.m. at Pierce Transit headquarters in Lakewood.
Ride Free to McChord Air Expo 2008 LAKEWOOD, WA To honor the men and women in our community who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces, on Saturday, July 19 and Sunday, July 20, Pierce Transit will provide free round-trip express service to McChord Air Force Base for Air Expo 2008.Pierce Transit's express service will begin at 7:30 a.m. from two locations, the parking lot behind the Barnes & Noble and Target stores at Lakewood Towne Center and the 512 Park and Ride lot. The last buses will leave these locations going to the event at 3:00 p.m. each day. All bus service, including return bus service, will stop running at 3:00 p.m. each day during the U.S. Air Force's Thunderbirds aerial demonstration. Return bus service will resume upon the conclusion of the world-renowned aerial demonstration. The flying is scheduled to start at 11:00 a.m. both days.
For media inquiries about Pierce Transit, please contact Lars Erickson at lerickson@piercetransit.org. For information on McChord Air Expo 2008, please visit http://www.mcchordairexpo.com
June 27, 2008
Pierce Transit July 4th Holiday Service
LAKEWOOD, WA – During the upcoming July 4th holiday, area residents and visitors can use Pierce Transit services to enjoy local events.
July 3-7, Tall Ships Festival, Foss Waterway, Tacoma
Ride one of the 12 Pierce Transit routes with service to Tall Ships activities: 1, 11, 13, 41, 42, 48, 53, 61, 102, 490, 500 & 501 offer service to and from downtown Tacoma with stops at 15th, 17th and 19th & Pacific Avenue. Routes 2, 3, 16, 26, 45 & 57 don't come quite as close, although it's still just a short walk downhill, you can easily transfer from them on Commerce Street to routes that serve Pacific Avenue.
One way fare is $1.50, or on Friday, July 4, Saturday, and Sunday, buy an all day pass for just $3.00 and ride as often as you want.
July 4, Freedom Fair
The big one! Catch the 4th of July Express to Old Town from Tacoma Community College and the Tacoma Dome Station. Service starts at 10am and runs every 15 minutes until 8pm. Catch express service back to your car after the fireworks, lasting until all riders have been brought back.
Express bus fare is $1.50 each way, or you can buy an all day pass for $3.00 and ride as often as you want on the 4th of July Express and any local route.
On Friday, July 4, Pierce Transit route 13 will operate on a special half-hour schedule from 8:18 am until 8:00 pm. Service will resume on route 13 after the fireworks. Pierce Transit’s Olympia Express, routes 601 and 603A, will not be in operation. People planning transit travel between Tacoma and Olympia on Friday, July 4, may take Intercity Transit route 620. All other local bus service and the SHUTTLE paratransit service will operate on a Sunday schedule. Pierce Transit Customer Service will be available to answer any questions from 9:00 am-5:00 pm at 253-581-8000.
Pierce Transit administrative offices and all Bus Shop facilities will be closed on Friday, July 4, 2008.
June 17, 2008
$4.30 a Gallon? Dump the Pump, June 19! SEATTLE, Wash. With local gas prices higher than the national average, residents in the Puget Sound region have turned to public transportation in record numbers. A survey of local transit ridership in April 2008 showed 520,000 passengers using buses, trains, ferries, vanpools and paratransit to get around each weekday, a record high. To demonstrate how easy it is to use transit, local agencies are urging residents to park their cars and ride public transportation on June 19, National Dump the Pump Day. Community Transit, Everett Transit, Intercity Transit, King County Metro Transit, Kitsap Transit, Pierce Transit and Sound Transit are joining transit agencies across the country to ask those who've never tried transit to take a ride, and regular transit users to leave their vehicles at home and only use transit that day. That means hopping the bus or a train, sharing the ride in a carpool or vanpool, or using human power by cycling or walking. “People are really thinking about how they get around and many are taking action by getting out of their cars and onto transit,” said Joyce Eleanor, CEO of Community Transit. “Dump the Pump Day is a time for people to make a statement about the choices they’re willing to make.” “Whether they are going to work, a doctor’s office, or shopping, it is important for Puget Sound area residents to know that public mass transit offers them safe, reliable, and low-cost transportation choices,” said Lynne Griffith, CEO of Pierce Transit. While many new transit passengers are those who choose to leave their vehicles behind, others are being forced to find alternatives. “Many people using transit these days simply cannot afford to drive their cars as much as they did in the past,” said Kevin Desmond, general manager of King County Metro Transit. “It’s not just commuters who want to save a few bucks. Some families are finding they need to leave their vehicles at home in order to pay the bills.” “I dumped the pump” To encourage participation in National Dump the Pump Day, Community Transit is flyering the 1,000-stall Ash Way Park & Ride in Lynnwood to encourage regular commuters to take the bus from home to the park & ride that day. On June 19, the agency will invite riders to cover a poster depiction of a gas pump with stickers saying “I dumped the pump” between 6 and 8 a.m. Pierce Transit will be distributing “I dumped the pump” stickers to riders at select transit centers throughout their system between 6:30 and 8 a.m. that day. In Olympia, Intercity Transit is hosting a series of events and transit fairs providing transit trip planning and rideshare information to interested commuters. Thousands of people are expected to sign a roving “I dumped the pump” community banner this month and commuters traveling through area transit centers, the Capitol Campus and park and ride lot on June 19 will get “I dumped the pump” buttons. Additionally, community leaders in Thurston County are showing support for National Dump the Pump Day by either using a commute alternative on June 19 or speaking publicly about the value and importance of transit to our communities and our individual lives. “If we didn’t have transit, we’d have to spend millions more every year to build and widen roads, and still it wouldn’t relieve traffic congestion,” said Ralph Osgood, Mayor of Tumwater. When people choose to ride the bus, they’re not just saving their own money, they’re saving taxpayers’ money as well.” The bus or train might not work best for everyone, and that is where RideshareOnline.com is great statewide resource. It provides an easy way to find others who are interested in sharing the commute in a carpool or vanpool. For example, Metro Transit has seen a 27 percent increase in people using vanpools and vanshares in the past year, and now has more than 1,000 commuter vans on the road. Community Transit has 352 vanpools on the road; Pierce Transit has 285 and InterCity Transit has 173. Puget Sound Regional Transit Statistics Public transportation in King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties covers: · 6,589 square miles including… · 66 cities and towns, · 447 bus routes, · two transit agency ferry routes (Kitsap Transit), · 83 miles of commuter rail (Sounder), · 1.6 miles of light rail (17.2 miles by 2009). Average weekday ridership in April 2008, by agency (and contacts): · Community Transit, 40,000 (Martin Munguia, 425 348-2348) · Everett Transit, 6,800 (Steffani Lillie, 425 257-8914) · Intercity Transit, 14,000 (Meg Kester, 360 705-5842) · Kitsap Transit, 15,000 (Laurie Talbert, 360 478-6225) · King County Metro Transit, 340,000 (Rochelle Ogershok, 206 296-6515) · Pierce Transit, 51,800 (Lars Erickson, 253 984-8218) · Sound Transit, 53,990 (Linda Robson, 206 398-5149) Many of the region’s commuting options are outlined at: http://metro.kingcounty.gov//tops/tri/tri-main.html.
June 13, 2008
Changes Expected for Pierce Transit Special Event Service
LAKEWOOD, WA. – People who enjoy using Pierce Transit special service to go to community events and festivals should be aware that new Federal Transit Administration (FTA) rules could limit Pierce Transit’s ability to provide this service. The rule changes do not affect regular Pierce Transit bus service. The intent of the new Federal regulations is to open up special event service to private charter companies. The new federal charter service rules went into effect April 30. Since these rules are so new, the effect they have on each of the events Pierce Transit provides service for has not yet been defined. We do know however, that participants who ride the bus from the TCC Transit Center to the Sound to Narrows event on Saturday, June 14, will be the first in the community to experience changes. Federal regulations no longer allow an event sponsor (MultiCare sponsors the Sound to Narrows) to pay the bus fare for participants. In past years, participants rode for free and MultiCare paid the fare. This year, each participant will have to pay $1.50 one way or $3.00 for a round trip ticket. All other normal discounts apply. Last year Pierce Transit provided more than 4,200 rides to Sound to narrows participants. If Pierce Transit service for an event falls under the new definition of charter service, the agency must first contact private charter firms registered with the FTA to see if any are interested in providing the service. If any firms indicate they are interested, Pierce Transit is precluded from providing the service. Private operators will be given the opportunity to negotiate with the event sponsor for the transportation service. If no private company is willing and able to provide the transportation service, Pierce Transit may be able to continue its special service to the venue. Pierce Transit has been working closely with the FTA and event organizers to understand and clarify the rule requirements. More information about these rules and the impact on Pierce Transit service will be provided as it becomes available. People should also check with event organizers for updated transportation information.
Pierce Transit Memorial Day Schedule LAKEWOOD, WA – On Memorial Day, Monday, May 26th, Pierce Transit services will operate on a Sunday schedule. Bus Plus will not operate. Pierce Transit administrative offices and all Bus Shop facilities will be closed. For additional information call Pierce Transit Customer Service at 253-581-8000, or visit the Pierce Transit web site.
March 25, 2008
Pierce Transit Announces PugetPass Partnership with Saars
LAKEWOOD, WA Pierce Transit today announced an agreement for Pierce County Saars Marketplace stores to be PugetPass outlets. PugetPass is a regional transit pass, available in various pass types, accepted as valid fare payment on Pierce Transit, Sound Transit, King County Metro Transit, Community Transit, and Everett Transit service. Saar’s Marketplace stores will carry monthly PugetPasses, which provide unlimited trips for the calendar month. “I am very pleased Saar’s Marketplace stores will be providing a valuable service to our riders,” said Pierce Transit CEO, Lynne Griffith. “With the move of our Lakewood Bus Shop from the Lakewood Towne Center, Saar’s service will fill a needed demand.” “As a member of the Pierce County community, we are happy to work closely with Pierce Transit to streamline our customers’ shopping experience,” said Greg Saar, President of Saar’s Inc.
February 13, 2008 Pierce Transit Presidents Day Schedule LAKEWOOD, WA On Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 18th, Pierce Transit local bus service and the SHUTTLE paratransit service will operate on a Saturday schedule. Bus Plus will not operate. Pierce Transits Olympia Express, routes 601 and 603A, will not be in operation. People planning transit travel between Tacoma and Olympia on Monday may take Intercity Transit route 603. Pierce Transit administrative offices and all Bus Shop facilities will be closed. For additional information call Pierce Transit Customer Service at 253.581.8000
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Pierce Transit Board Approves Annual Budget LAKEWOOD, WA – The Pierce Transit Board of Commissioners last evening approved the annual budget for 2008. Priorities in the approved $196 Million budget include investments in public safety, congestion relief and service improvements for a growing ridership. “The message this budget sends our passengers is that Pierce Transit will be safer, more reliable and offer even more options to those who depend on transit service,” said Pierce County Executive and Board Chair John Ladenburg. “The message the budget sends to the community is that Pierce Transit is willing to make smart investments that help attract and retain businesses, better manage growth and keep us competitive in this global economy.” Highlights from the Pierce Transit 2008 annual budget:
“This budget is about moving Pierce Transit forward,” said Pierce Transit CEO Lynne Griffith. “We are making strategic investments to improve our performance and the quality of life for our customers, operators and the citizens of Pierce County.” Also at the board meeting, Mark Neary, a representative of the Government Finance Officers Association of The United States and Canada (GFOA), presented Pierce Transit with a Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting for the Pierce Transit 2006 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), it is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting. Pierce Transit has been recognized 22 times by GFOA for demonstrating a “constructive spirit of full disclosure” in financial reporting. Kathy Sullivant, Finance Director for Pierce Transit, received an individual Award of Financial Achievement from GFOA for preparing the award-winning CAFR. Pierce Transit is the public transportation agency for Pierce County, Washington, providing the community with local and express bus routes, vanpools, rideshare services, and SHUTTLE transportation for people with disabilities.
July 16, 2007
Pierce Transit bus service to Narrows Bridge ceremony sets single-day service record
TACOMA, WA. Pierce Transit bus service to the Narrows Bridge Opening Celebration set a single-day passenger record.The special event bus service transported more than 28,000 people from three locations to the ceremony site. With return trips, this amounts to more than 56,000 passenger trips, beating the previous record of 32,969 trips set during the 2005 Freedom Fair Tall Ships event.
Special bus service was provided beginning at 10 a.m. from three locations; Tacoma Community College Transit Center, Narrows Airport, and Gig Harbor High School, utilizing 44 buses.
In addition, the 5k Bridge Run/Walk transportation began at 5:30 a.m.The event was so well attended that the Washington State Patrol halted incoming bus trips at 8:30 a.m. because the venue site was at its capacity.As the Run/Walk participants left the area, inbound trips were allowed to resume at approximately 9:15 a.m.
Regular Pierce Transit Sunday bus service operated normally throughout the 417 square- mile service area.
July 5, 2007
Pierce Transit Freedom Fair Express provided 16,700 rides
The Freedom Fair Express bus service provided more than 16,700 rides to the Independence Day festival. This is a 16 percent increase in ridership over 2006. Riders boarded at either the Tacoma Dome Station or the Tacoma Community College Transit Center for a direct ride to the Old Town area.
Following the fireworks show, 55 transit buses were used to transport 4,680 people back to the park and ride locations.
Pierce Transit special event bus service is a convenient, cost effective way for people to attend large community events without dealing with the hassle of traffic congestion and parking. Using public transportation on the Forth of July and any other day is also good for the environment. All the transit buses in the Pierce Transit fleet operate on clean-burning Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). CNG buses significantly reduce carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide emissions, and virtually eliminate particulate emissions, when compared to conventional diesel vehicles. In addition, individuals who ride the bus help the region meet Environmental Protection Agency air quality standards by reducing emissions from their personal vehicles.
May 8, 2007
PIERCE TRANSIT IS HOME OF THE NUMBER ONE TRANSIT OPERATOR IN THE NATION!
Pierce Transit Bus Operator Brentt Mackie
(Click on picture to download high-resolution version)
TACOMA, WA. - Pierce Transit Bus Operator Brentt Mackie has been awarded the trophy for First Place in the nation in the 40-foot Transit Coach Division at the 2007 International Bus Roadeo that has just concluded in Nashville, Tennessee.
The Roadeo competition requires drivers maneuver their vehicles through an intricate maze of 13 graded exercises that includes serpentine turns, passenger stops, and reverse turns that duplicate the demanding requirements of everyday driving. The final exercise is high-speed braking where operators maneuver through a row of ten 55-gallon barrels spaced only inches wider than the bus. Mackie placed first at the WSDOT annual statewide transit Roadeo held on August 13, 2006 at King County Metros Safety Training Center in Tukwila. The Pierce Transit Maintenance Team made up of Journey Level Mechanics Jose Guzman, Kim Huynh, and Scott Simonsen place 22 out of 46 teams. As a rookie team, they made an impressive showing. Overall, Pierce Transit place 9th in the nation! The event is sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association and coincides with the annual convention being held this year in Nashville, Tennessee. The Bus Roadeo was developed to provide participants with positive, job-related motivation by emphasizing the important role played by bus drivers and mechanic in providing transit customers with safe and reliable transit service. Pierce Transit is the public transportation agency for Pierce County, providing the community with local and express bus routes, vanpools, rideshare services, and SHUTTLE transportation for people with disabilities. Last year, the agency provided more than 14 million passenger trips.
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April 27, 2006
Pierce Transit Public Safety Chief Receives Leadership Award
TACOMA, WA. - Pierce Transit Chief of Public Safety, Rod Baker (link to hi-res jpg), was presented with the 2006 Leadership Award at the April 19 regional Law Enforcement Appreciation banquet of the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS). Each year ASIS pays tribute to the law enforcement agencies and officers who protect and support the greater Puget Sound community. The group also recognizes law enforcement agencies and their officers who have made special contributions throughout the year to keep businesses, communities, and citizens safe.
Baker received the Leadership Award in recognition of his commitment to public safety and his leadership and demonstrated excellence in police administration and management. Baker is responsible for managing the policing services at Pierce Transit facilities throughout the 414 square-mile service area in the Tacoma/Pierce County area. “Maintaining a safe transit environment depends on the active involvement and collaboration of transit employees, law enforcement, passengers, neighborhood residents, and the public at large, stated Lynne Griffith, Chief Executive Officer for Pierce Transit. “I am delighted that Rod received this much-deserved recognition.”
On March 20, 2006, Rod Baker, Chief of Public Safety and Security for Pierce Transit became the first commissioned law enforcement officer for a public transportation agency in Washington State. In addition, he was also the first transit employee to graduate from the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Academy in 2006. He is a member of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, hosted the Street Crimes Course for local law enforcement personnel, a National Transit Institute instructor, and has been selected to be a Transit Security Institute Instructor.
His work with the Tacoma and Lakewood Police Department Gang Activities Task Force helped reduce youth incidents at transit facilities and in areas adjacent to major transit facilities, and a graffiti reduction program has reduced the agency’s costs to replace or repair transit property by over 400 percent since 2002.
Rod has provided leadership both inside the agency and within the community. He has established collaborative relationships with the Tacoma and Lakewood Police Departments and is in the process of formalizing a similar agreement with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department. He formalized the agency’s emergency preparedness plan and has developed an excellent relationship with the Pierce County Department of Emergency Management.
Baker helped to increase awareness among Pierce Transit employees for the need of personal and agency-wide emergency preparedness and training. In 2004, he began a series of National Transit Institute training initiatives and facilitated the completion of National Incident Management System training requirements. Pierce Transit is the public transportation agency for Pierce County, providing the community with local and express bus routes, vanpools, rideshare services, and SHUTTLE transportation for people with disabilities. Last year, the agency provided more than 14 million passenger trips
July 10, 2006
Pierce Transit solutions to high fuel costs – buses, vanpools, and carpools
All of us are affected in some way by the ever-increasing high price of gas. After housing, transportation is the second highest cost for most American families, outpacing both food and health care costs. Since January 2003, gas prices have increased by 100 percent. Everyone has an opinion about what should be done, but no one has been able to provide relief. You have options, and Pierce Transit can help.
Pierce Transit offers the quickest, easiest alternative to the high cost of gas. Pierce Transit has made it easy to find information about bus routes and schedules, vanpools, carpools, and Park & Ride lots on its web site at www.piercetransit.org. Many people feel uncomfortable riding the bus because they don’t understand how it works. The web site offers first-time bus users, or people who are unfamiliar with public transportation in our area, some useful tools to better understand their available options. With a click of the mouse you have 24-hour access to Trip Planner, which creates a free itinerary of your transit trip, bus schedules that include maps and major destinations for all local routes, and an e-store that allows you to buy local and express bus passes and tickets – which we’ll mail to your home free of charge. With an adult monthly pass you can take unlimited rides on local service for just $54. A youth pass is available for those under 18 for just $27 a month, or 75 cents in the farebox. It doesn’t take too many fill ups to exceed the cost of a bus pass. To see how much you’re spending on your commute, calculate your monthly driving expense by using the Commute Calculator in the web site’s Rideshare section. Most people are surprised at how much they spend on their monthly commute.
We know from experience that when drivers try transit, many become regular users and want to use it more often. Our riders tell us that the Pierce Transit system offers an easy, comfortable, and convenient way to get to work, school, activities, and many other destinations.
“With gasoline prices at record levels, many Americans are finding that mobility is becoming unaffordable,” said Rachel Grover, Employer Program Specialist for Pierce Transit, “Public transit is the quickest way to beat high gas prices. By using public transportation or other ride sharing options on a regular basis, a person can save between $300 and $3,000 in fuel costs per year.”
Pierce Transit realizes that riding the bus may not work for everyone or every situation. Pierce Transit will help you or your company explore other transportations options that may work for you and save you money. You can consider joining an existing vanpool, or starting or joining a carpool and using the system of Park & Ride lots located throughout Pierce County. Your employer may be willing to help you save even more. Many local employers are providing pre-tax dollars for employees to use on public transportation. And there are tax incentives available for the company. Currently over 100 employers in Pierce County offer these programs as part of their employee recruitment package, or a welcomed new benefit for current employees. Participating employers include Regence Blueshield, MultiCare, Russell Investment Group, the Attorney General’s Office, UW Tacoma, Franciscan Medical Group & Health System, and The News Tribune, to mention a few.
To find out more about ways you or your company can reduce commute costs or to schedule a meeting with a Community Services representative call 253.581.8000 or visit www.piercetransit.org
March 24, 2006
Lynne M. Griffith Named Chief Executive Officer for Pierce Transit
Pierce Transit CEO Lynne M. Griffith
TACOMA, WA. - Pierce Transit in Lakewood, Washington, has named Lynne M. Griffith, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of C-TRAN (Clark County Public Transportation Benefit Area) of Vancouver, Washington, as its new Chief Executive Officer effective mid to late April.
At a special meeting held Friday, March 24, the Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution authorizing a compensation package with a salary of $138,000 a year plus benefits. At C-TRAN since 2000, Griffith was responsible for managing the 27 fixed route bus system, 385 employees, and an annual budget of $32 million. Griffith succeeds Don S. Monroe, who retired March 31 after serving as Pierce Transit's Chief Executive Officer for 25 years. Susan Lang, Vice President of Technology and Transit Development, was appointed Interim Chief Executive.
Griffith brings 35 years of demonstrated leadership in the transportation industry that includes 17 years of direct experience in public transportation management. Prior to serving as C-TRAN's Executive Director and CEO in Clark County, Washington, Griffith managed both urban and suburban public transit programs in the Atlanta region, including the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority's (MARTA) largest CNG fixed route and ADA Paratransit operations; Cobb Community Transit, a suburban bus system in an Atlanta neighboring community; and the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA) where she was responsible for developing a multimodal transit program for the 13-county Atlanta region. Griffith's transit experience includes the planning, development, and operation of rapid and commuter rail, local and express fixed route bus, paratransit, and vanpool and rideshare programs. Her planning experience includes the study of light rail, design of fixed route bus and paratransit services, and technology improvements associated with the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS). Griffith also provides leadership in the transit industry and currently serves as the Vice-Chair of the Washington State Transit Association, as an advisory board member for Washington's Office of Transit Mobility, and serves on the American Public Transit Association's CEO Bus and Paratransit Committee. In addition, Griffith is involved in community programs and has been active in Rotary, the YWCA, and other civic organizations.
"I'm impressed with Pierce Transit, its strategic vision, the progressive and innovative change occurring in Tacoma, and the transit growth opportunities in the Puget Sound area," stated Griffith, "I'm honored to join the organization."
Pierce Transit is the public transportation agency for Pierce County, providing the community with local and express bus routes, vanpools, rideshare services, and SHUTTLE transportation for people with disabilities. Pierce Transit provides service to 450 square miles of Pierce County with 52 bus routes, 950 employees, and an annual budget of $148 million. In addition, Pierce Transit contracts with Sound Transit to provide express bus service. Last year, Pierce Transit provided more than 15 million passenger trips.
March 22, 2006
Pierce Transit becomes first state transit agency with commissioned law enforcement officer
TACOMA, WA. - Pierce Transit in Lakewood, Washington becomes the first public transportation agency in the State of Washington to grant a general police commissioning to its public safety officer. In a ceremony held at Pierce Transit’s Lakewood headquarters on Monday, March 20, Rod Baker, Transit Public Safety Manager, recited the Oath of Commissioning administered by Don Monroe, Chief Executive Officer of Pierce Transit.
[Click on photo to download high-resolution version]
Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna, as well as senior law enforcement officials and representatives of area police departments, attended the event. Attorney General Rob McKenna delivered the keynote address that highlighted the important role public transportation agencies have in the nation-wide war on terrorism.
“Maintaining a safe transit environment depends on the active involvement and collaboration of transit employees, law enforcement, passengers, neighborhood residents, and the public at large, stated McKenna. “As the ‘eyes and ears’ of our transit system, they all play a vital role in bolstering transit security by becoming more aware of the surroundings and reporting suspicious activities to the proper authorities.”
The primary responsibility of the Public Safety Division is the deterrence, detection, and apprehension of individuals that commit criminal acts within the transit system. The full police commissioning of the transit public safety manager will improve interagency communications and cooperation and will provide Pierce Transit with the ability to interact with any of the 34 law enforcement jurisdictions within its 450 square mile service area. This will allow Pierce Transit to obtain information surrounding criminal incidents and to conduct a higher level of background investigations and screenings consistent with state requirements for law enforcement personnel.
The transit public safety manager provides direction and oversight to independently contracted law enforcement officers from the Tacoma and Lakewood police departments and the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department that provide daily law enforcement services.
“The law enforcement commissioning of the Pierce Transit Public Safety Manager will enhance the security services that Pierce Transit provides to our passengers and employees,” stated Don S. Monroe. “We value the cooperation and support we receive from the law enforcement community.”
Pierce Transit’s Public Safety Manager recently graduated from the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission’s Equivalency Academy and received a General Law Enforcement Commission. At its February 13 meeting, the Pierce Transit Board of Commissioners approved the official police commissioning of the Transit Public Safety Division and the Transit Public Safety Manager, and in turn modified the Pierce Transit Administrative Code to reflect these changes.
Commissioning will also improve Pierce Transit’s ability to meet the requirements of the Department of Homeland Security/Transportation Security Administration and the Federal Transit Administration with regards to the security of public transit systems and to become a vital member of the anti-terrorism network for the sharing of information.
Other transit agencies around the country are taking a similar approach to improving their transit security. Many already have transit police forces or contract for full-time services. The Pierce Transit program is modeled after the Regional Transit District program in Denver, Colorado.
Pierce Transit is the public transportation agency for Pierce County, providing the community with local and express bus routes, vanpools, rideshare services, and SHUTTLE transportation for people with disabilities. Last year, the agency provided more than 15 million passenger trips.
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October 4, 2005
From the WSDOT Public Transportation and Rail Division Monthly Report,
Vanpool campaign and Pierce Transit win national award The public awareness campaign, Freewheeling. Vanpooling is your trip, your way, was developed by WSDOT and the state's transit systems to increase vanpool ridership. Development of the campaign required extensive and detailed coordination. Pierce Transit, the lead agency in creating the look and feel of the campaign, recently received a national award from the Association for Commuter Transportation in the category of Outstanding Service (Partnerships).
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