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Pierce Transit Runner

We are experiencing high demand with our Runner service. We appreciate your patience.

Pierce Transit Runner is now available in Transit, Pierce Transit’s all-in-one app to plan, track and pay for rides. Thanks to this new integration, riders can for the first time plan and pay for trips that combine Pierce Transit’s on-demand and regular bus services. Read more here.
runner vehicle

Runner Means On-Demand Transit

With one simple smartphone app and just a few taps, Pierce Transit Runner will pick you up and drop you off in certain areas where a bus may not be available – all for the same low public transit fare. Convenient, fast, and affordable on-demand transportation is at your fingertips to help you get to work, school, shopping or connect to local buses or regional rail.

Gig Harbor Runner is HERE! Learn more HERE or DOWNLOAD PDF.

What is Runner?

Convenient
Use your phone to tell Pierce Transit Runner where you are and where you want to go. Runner pairs riders headed in the same direction to ensure faster service. Also, with your ORCA card, you can transfer easily to or from a bus.

Affordable
Ride the Runner for the same cost as a Pierce Transit bus trip. Also, Runner doesn’t raise prices during peak hours, so you can rely on the same great pricing whenever you ride!

Transit Options
The app will list your best transit choice based on your pickup and drop-off points—in some cases that may be a trip on the bus or another transit service.

Runner Hero Image
Download the Pierce Transit Runner app
via logo
google store icon apple store link icon

Hours and Locations

Interactive Runner Map
Use this map to see an overview of Pierce Transit’s Runner zones and bus routes. Zoom in for a closer look, or enter an address or landmark in the search box.
Runner point to point icon Ride anywhere in the zone Runner point to hub icon Ride anywhere in the zone or to hubs up to 2 miles away Runner stop to stop icon Ride between designated stops
Puyallup
South Hill
Runner point to point iconDaily
7 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Spanaway
Parkland | Midland
Runner point to point iconDaily
7 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Tideflats
Fife | Milton | Edgewood | Tacoma
Runner point to point icon Weekdays
5:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Weekends
7 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Ruston
Waterfront | Tacoma
Runner point to point iconWeekdays
5:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Weekends
7 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Gig Harbor
Runner point to point iconDaily
7 a.m. - 10 p.m.
JBLM
Lakewood | McChord Air Base
Runner point to point iconWeekdays

7 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
3 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Call-in only 253.581.8000, option 4

RIDERS ENTERING JBLM MUST HAVE AN APPROVED DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ID.


Runner service does not operate on the following holidays:

  • New Year's Day
  • Memorial Day
  • July 4th
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day

JBLM Runner service observes additional holidays:

  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Presidents Day
  • Juneteenth
  • Columbus Day
  • Veterans Day
  • Christmas Eve

How to ride Runner

3 easy steps to get on board in no time.
Pierce Transit Runner Download App

1. Create an account
Download the Runner app from your preferred app store and follow the simple signup steps.

google store icon apple store link icon
Pierce Transit Runner Book Ride

2. Book a ride.
Enter your pick up and drop off addresses. Choose the ride that works for you by tapping Book This Ride.
*Tap the accessibility icon in your profile to enable wheelchair-accessible vehicle requests.

Pierce Transit Runner Wait For Ride

3. Meet your driver.
Check the app to track your driver's location in realtime so you know exactly when to meet your ride.

No smartphone? No problem!
Book a ride by calling 253.581.8000, option 4.

FARES AND PAYMENT

Pierce Transit Runner costs the same as a bus ride, and daily and 30 Day passes are accepted. Pay your fare using ORCA, Transit app on your smartphone, or a paper pass. Cash is not accepted on board, except for JBLM.

  • $2.00 for an adult ages 19-64
  • $1.00 discounted fare for eligible riders showing RRFP card (seniors ages 65+ and people with disabilities) or tapping ORCA LIFT card (low-income families).
  • FREE for Youth riders 18 and younger (with Youth ORCA card or valid student ID), thanks to Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. Click here for more information.
  • To pay using cash, visit one of the many ORCA retail locations or vending machines to convert your cash to E-Purse value. For more information on buying or using an ORCA card, visit myorca.com.

HAVE ACCESSIBILITY NEEDS?

People with Disabilities
Wheelchair-accessible Runner vehicles are available. If you require an accessible vehicle, need other mobility assistance, or have trouble walking short distances, please indicate all needs within your Runner profile. If you book rides over the phone, tell the customer service agent about your ride support needs as well. Please note, only one wheelchair passenger will fit in each Runner vehicle. The wheelchair ramp is designed to accommodate up to 600 pounds and wheelchairs up to 36 inches wide.

Service animals are welcome on board, but we cannot accommodate pets.

And the Pierce Transit Runner app accommodates people with disabilities through many other features, which may be found here: info.ridewithvia.com/accessibility.

People with Limited English Ability
The Pierce Transit Runner app and call center support multiple languages, allowing riders to get Runner service using their preferred language. To book in other languages, call Runner customer service directly at 253.600.4146. This does not apply to JBLM Runner.

Low-Income Families
Low-income riders can receive discounted fare if they pay with an ORCA LIFT card. For more information on ORCA LIFT, visit: PierceTransit.org/orcalift/.

Low-income families may also be eligible for free or discounted smartphones and cellular service through Lifeline, the Federal Communications Commission’s program to make communications services accessible to low-income consumers. For more information on getting a smartphone through Lifeline, visit: lifelinesupport.org/ or fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers.


OTHER THINGS TO KNOW

  • Please be ready and on time to ride.
  • This service may be limited, including at peak times and when events are happening in the zone.
  • If another transit option is nearby and arriving within 15 minutes, ride requests will be redirected to that service.
  • Can I book rides without a smartphone?

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    Yes, simply call 253.581.8000, option 4 and we’ll assist you over the phone.

  • Why do I need both the Transit app and Runner app?

    +

    The Transit app is Pierce Transit’s one-stop-shop for planning your public transit trip. It shows you real-time bus ETAs and provides step-by-step travel directions for multiple services. If you are in one of the areas served by Runner and want to get picked up, click the Request Ride button to open the Pierce Transit Runner app and submit your trip booking.

  • Can I bring someone along with me?

    +

    Sure! You can book rides for you and up to four additional passengers. All additional passengers will be charged either a full or discounted fare depending on their rider group.

  • Are child car seats available?

    +

    We will not supply car seats, but riders traveling with children who require them may bring their own. Riders are responsible for properly securing any such car seat and for ensuring that it fits all legal requirements.

  • Does Runner accommodate bikes and strollers?

    +

    No

  • How do I know where to meet my driver?

    +

    It will be clear in the app where and when the driver will come and pick you up. Check the app to follow your driver’s progress in real-time so you know exactly when to meet your ride. JBLM Runner only picks up and drops off at designated stops listed on the service map.

  • Can I cancel my ride?

    +

    Yes, you can cancel your ride directly from the app or by calling customer service at 253.581.8000, option 4. Remember, canceling at the last minute can negatively impact other riders, so please cancel as soon you know that you don’t need a ride.

  • What should I do if my driver leaves without me?

    +

    Re-book directly in your app or by calling the phone number, and then send an email explaining what happened to support-pierce@ridewithvia.com. You won’t be charged for this ride.

  • What do the vehicles look like?

    +

    All vehicles are branded with Pierce Transit Runner's logo and colors, so they should be easy to spot.

  • Are wheelchair-accessible vehicles available?

    +

    Yes! Please let us know you need a wheelchair-accessible vehicle when you book your ride by tapping your profile picture or image at the top of the app menu and tapping the Wheelchair-Accessibility toggle to turn it on, or by talking to the customer service agent.

  • Can I change my destination once I’m on board?

    +

    Once you start a ride, the destination cannot be changed. If you have not yet boarded the vehicle, you can cancel the ride and re-book with a new destination, but you may need to wait for another vehicle to become available.

  • Can I set a favorite location in the app?

    +

    Yes. Tap the Favorites tab in the app menu, then tap Set Home Address, Set Work Address, or create and name a new favorite.

  • What are the points of interest in the app?

    +

    These are locations we believe will be popular origins and destinations for rides. Select them to easily choose where you need to go to or from!

  • Is there a minimum age to ride?

    +

    Children under the age of 13 can ride when accompanied by a parent or guardian. We will not supply car seats, but riders traveling with children who require them may bring their own. Riders are responsible for properly securing any such car seat and for ensuring that it fits all legal requirements.

  • Can I leave feedback for my driver?

    +

    Feel free to fill out the feedback screen in the app after your ride.

  • Do I tip the driver?

    +

    No. Our drivers do not accept tips.

  • How do I reset my password?

    +

    Open the app and select “Get Started.” In the password box, select “Forgot your password?” and follow the prompts.

  • I left something in the vehicle — how do I retrieve it?

    +

    Please email support-pierce@ridewithvia.com with a description of the missing item. JBLM Runner customers should contact Pierce Transit directly through PierceTransit.org/contact-us/ or by calling 253.581.8000, option 2.

  • How do I report a complaint?

    +

    Please contact support-pierce@ridewithvia.com or call the support line at 253.600.4146 to report a complaint. Be sure to include as much information as possible and we’ll do our best to help. JBLM Runner customers should contact Pierce Transit directly through PierceTransit.org/contact-us/ or by calling 253.581.8000, option 2.

  • Where can I find more information on Runner service policies?

    +

    For Puyallup, Ruston, Tideflats and Spanaway Runners, general policies are described at city.ridewithvia.com/runner.

© 2024 Pierce Transit, All Rights Reserved. Site Design and Development by SiteCrafting

Trip Planner Help

Trip Planner Tips - Entering Locations

To create a trip plan you need to enter both a starting location (origin) and an ending location (destination). For information about stops, schedules, or service at a specific location, you only need to enter one location.

The Trip Planner recognizes most street intersections and addresses as well as many landmarks in Pierce, King, and Snohomish Counties. If what you entered is not immediately recognized, the Trip Planner will offer you a list of options. You can choose one of the options, but if your intended location is not there, select the "Revise Original Entries" link to return to the entry page and change the entries you have already made.

Addresses

  • You don't need to type in the city along with the address. The Trip Planner shows the possible city names as options if needed. City names are based on zip codes.
  • You don't need to type in St., Street, Ave., or Avenue, or similar street types. The Trip Planner shows the possible alternatives as options if needed. (Example: type 110 Jones instead of 110 Jones Boulevard.)
  • You don't need to type in the directional designations for streets, but if a direction name is part of a street name, you should include it. (Example: type 1000 Main instead of 1000 S Main. But type 1000 West Viewmont for 1000 West Viewmont Way W.)
  • Some streets and addresses are unknown to the Trip Planner. You may need to enter another nearby location, such as an intersection or a landmark.
  • You should not enter the suite number or apartment number.  Just the house number and street name (Example: type in 401 Broadway instead of 401 Broadway Avenue Suite 800).

Intersections

  • The "&" symbol is the only character used between two street names to show an intersection. (Examples: 1st & B, James & Madison)
  • You don't need to type in the city. The Trip Planner shows the possible city names as options if needed. City names are based on zip codes.
  • You don't need to type in St., Street, Ave., or Avenue, or similar street types. The Trip Planner shows the possible alternatives as options if needed. (Example: type Conifer & Jones instead of Conifer Circle & Jones Boulevard.)
  • You don't need to type in the directional designations for streets, but if a direction name is part of a street name, you should include it. (Example: type 3rd & Main instead of 3rd S & S Main. But type 34th & West Viewmont for 34th W & West Viewmont Way W.)
  • Some streets are unknown to the Trip Planner. You may need to enter another nearby intersection or a landmark.

Landmarks

Government Sites: Pierce County Health Dept, Pierce Co Sheriffs Office, Tacoma City Hall

Major Commercial Sites: Tacoma Mall, Sheraton Hotel

Transportation Facilities: Sea-Tac Airport, Greyhound Bus Depot

Schools & Colleges: Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma Community College

Sports & Leisure: Cheney Stadium, Pt Defiance Zoo

Medical Facilities: Group Health, Tacoma General Hospital


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