Pierce Transit Runner

NOTICE Tideflats, Ruston and Spanaway Runner Riders will need to download the new Pierce Transit Runner app to request rides starting January 2, 2023. Click to download from Apple Store or Google Store. Riders can also book a ride by calling 253.581.8000 Option 4.

What is the Pierce Transit RUNNER?

Pierce Transit Runner is on-demand public transportation that allows you to book rides straight from your phone within dedicated service zones. Currently, we offer the Puyallup, JBLM, Ruston, Tideflats and Spanaway Runner services. Each service has its own zone or designated pick-up/drop-off spots where this may be an ideal option for “first and last mile” connections between your starting point and other transit services. Point to point trips are also allowed anywhere within some Runner zones. Riders may be grouped into a single vehicle if rides are going to a similar location, helping to reduce wait times.

On-Demand Services

Plan trips anywhere within a designated zone (Puyallup, Ruston Runner and Tideflats Runner)

Plan trips to and from transit and community hubs (Spanaway Runner)

Plan trips to and from designated bus stops (JBLM Runner)

How To Get A Ride

Puyallup Runner

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

Ruston, Tideflats & Spanaway

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

JBLM Runner

Book a ride by calling 253.581.8000 Option 4.

What does it cost to ride and how do I pay?

Pierce Transit Runner costs the same as a bus trip, and daily and 30 Day passes are accepted. Pay your fare using ORCA, Transit app on your smartphone, or a paper pass.

$2.00 for an adult
$1.00 for those with discounted fares
FREE for Youth riders 18 and younger (show Youth ORCA card or valid student ID). 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.

How is Pierce Transit RUNNER operated?

Pierce Transit provides on-demand services through a combination of local funds and grant awards.
All on-demand services and vehicles accommodate wheelchairs and bicycles.
On-demand services are designed to connect patrons to transit centers, bus stops, employment and retail opportunities.

Things to remember:

No cash fare payments accepted (except on JBLM Runner)
Use Transit app with mobile fare of your choice (One Ride Ticket, All Day Pass or 30 Day Pass)
Specify your group size where applicable (not designed to accommodate large groups)

STAY CONNECTED

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