October 2, 2011 Times & Service effective October 2nd. On-street materials and web updates are currently being made.

Now available for download
October 2nd Service Change Rider Alert >>>>
Now available for download
October 2nd The Bus Stops Here >>>>

Yellow Bags Cover Closed Bus Stops
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. Approximately 600 bus stops, including 35 with shelters, will be closed on October 2. Following that, Facilities Maintenance crews will begin 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.

Complete 9/14 Press Release >>>>

Potential Transportation Options for Eliminated or Modified Routes
The reduction and modifications to Pierce Transit's services are very difficult for many of our passengers and our community. A list of affected routes with potential transportation alternatives to help with transportation needs can be found here. >>>>

SHUTTLE Riders
October Reduction Transportation Summit
On August 17th a Transportation Provider Summit was held at Pierce Transit in partnership with the Pierce County Coordinated Transportation Coalition. The focus of the Summit was to define the needs of SHUTTLE clients who will no longer have SHUTTLE service after the October 2, 2011. Sub-groups will be meeting to further identify needs and solutions for their area of representation. The Coordinated Transportation Coalition will be leading these efforts with Pierce Transit staff assist in. Nearly 60 people came together to identify resources, create solutions, find possible funding options and discuss other ideas to help those in need.

An important letter regarding SHUTTLE service was mailed the week of June 28th to SHUTTLE clients regarding October 2 service reductions.

The service area map in that letter has been updated. Please click here to see a pdf of the the most current information.

July 11, 2011 Board Meeting // Board approves layoffs to
take place with final October Service Reduction
As part of implementing the 35% reduction in service, Pierce Transit is conducting its third round of layoffs. By the end of the year the agency will have approximately 20% less staff, including 30% less management. These reductions were necessitated by the economic recession and, despite several rounds of budget cuts, this layoff was necessary to close the budget gap of $51 million. Pierce Transit will have achieved financial stability as a result. Lynne Griffith, the Agency¹s CEO stated,"We are very sad to lose so many wonderful employees to this economic recession. They will be missed and we wish them the very best."

June 13, 2011 Public Hearing Regarding Service Reductions

Click the thumbnails below to view image above
For all route and service information focusing on efficiencies and ridership, download complete October Service Reduction Pamphlet as a printer friendly PDF here. >>

May 9, 2011 Board Service Reduction Decision
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. A public hearing will be held June 13.

Download presentation as a PDF

April 2011 Public Hearings
Over 350 individuals submitted testimony and in order for the Board to evaluate this testimony prior to the May 9th Board meeting. Comments sent after will still be put into official record and used by staff for further planning purposes. Those comments can be sent to pttomorrow@piercetransit.org.

Our Proposed Service Changes guide contains route-by-route details; to download a copy, click here.

Recap April 28th Public Hearing
The last of the five public hearings on the proposed Reduction Plan was held in Bonney Lake where the Pierce Transit Board of Commissioners and staff listened to 15 citizens testify from the 32 in attendance.

Recap of April 25, 2011 Public Hearing on Proposed Service Cuts
The 4th of five Public Hearings on the proposed reduction plan set for October was held Monday night in Puyallup. Pierce Transit Board of Commissioners and staff listened as 40 of the 73 in attendance testified their concerns and suggestions for the 35% reductions, in October.

Recap of April 21st Public Hearing on Proposed Service Cuts
Pierce Transit Commissioners and staff listened to 39 citizens testify, of more than 75 in attendance, on the proposed Reduction plan due to be implemented in October. There will be three more hearings around our service area where the public can weigh in on how Pierce Transit implements 35% reductions, which are necessary due to the economic recession and the failure of Proposition 1. The Board of Commissioners directed staff to keep listening to the public as we hold the remaining public hearings.

Recap of April 18th Public Hearing on Proposed Service Cuts
26 individuals attended to the public hearing in Gig Harbor to voice their concerns on the proposed reduction plan to the Board of Commissioners and Pierce Transit Staff. There will be three more hearings around our service area where the public can weigh in on how Pierce Transit implements 35% reductions, which are necessary due to the economic recession and the failure of Proposition 1. The Board of Commissioners directed staff to keep listening to the public as we hold the remaining public hearings.

Recap of April 11th Public Hearing on Proposed Service Cuts
More than 150 people attended Monday night’s meeting and over 50 people spoke about how important transit is to their lives. There will be four more hearings around our service area where the public can weigh in on how Pierce Transit implements 35% reductions, which are necessary due to the economic recession and the failure of Proposition 1. The Board of Commissioners directed staff to keep listening to the public as we hold the remaining public hearings.

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