human service agency TICKET AND pass program

Fare Amendment Proposal – Update

On February 13, 2023, Pierce Transit Board of Commissioners approved the fare amendment proposal which included adopting the ORCA LIFT program. To learn more about how you can apply for ORCA LIFT visit here: ORCA LIFT

Effective April 1, 2023, Pierce Transit will accept ORCA LIFT adult fare payment on bus and Runner services.

Overview

Certified Human Service Agencies (HSAs) may purchase paper One Ride Tickets and All Day Passes from Pierce Transit for the clientele that they serve.

HSAs may qualify for a 50% discount (see below on how to qualify). Pierce Transit encourages all HSAs to enroll in the program to provide more options for Pierce County transit users.

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How to qualify, apply and order

Certified Human Services Agencies may purchase paper One Ride Tickets and All Day Passes. Certified HSAs that are tax-exempt under IRS subsection 501(c)(3) may qualify for a 50% discount. For more information or to see if your agency qualifies complete the certification form. Certified HSAs may order their One Ride Tickets or All Day Passes by visiting the ticket purchasing page.

Testimonials

"In a larger effort to short circuit the school to prison pipeline by offering support and intervention for youth, the discounted bus pass program has been a huge help. Many of the youth we serve rely on the bus, so being able to provide them with bus passes helps alleviate transportation barriers." -Isaiah Rivera, Tacoma Boat Builders

"This is like a wish come true for us" -Kerri Pedrick, Communities in Schools of Lakewood

communities in schools of lakewood holding passes

"Our clients are generally either homeless or transitioning from homelessness to an apartment. Either way, they tell us that the bus passes are a life saver to get to jobs and interviews. They are also necessary for everyday things like grocery shopping and doctor appointments" - Mary Beth Quinsey, Lenny and the DreamMakers

Frequently Asked Questions

If we're not a qualifying 501(c)(3) agency, how can I purchase passes?
- Non 501(c)(3) agencies can place their order here using our online order form.
- If you're not a Human Service Agency but want to learn about other options for paying your fare, please visit our Fares page.
- If you're a business that wants to learn about a convenient, cost effective way to provide bus, train, ferry or vanpool benefits to your employees, visit our ORCA for Business page.
Do tickets and passes have an expiration date?
- Yes. Pierce Transit All Day Passes and One Ride tickets have an ultimate expiration date printed on the front. They must be used prior to that date. No exchanges or refunds will be offered for expired tickets.
How do I know which ticket/pass type to purchase for my clients?
- Since paper transfers have been eliminated, it’s best to know the travel habits of your clientele. If paying with a One Ride ticket, the client will need to pay each time upon boarding a bus. However, if the client pays with an All Day Pass, the pass becomes active once it’s dipped in the farebox and is valid for the rest of the service day. It is valid for unlimited rides on Pierce Transit buses until the expiration date and time imprinted on the back.
Can clients use the All Day Pass on SHUTTLE?
- No. This service is for registered SHUTTLE passengers only.
How do I pay for my order?
- For shipped orders, you must pay by credit card at the time of ordering.
- For pick up orders, you can pay at the time of placing the order OR choose to pay in person at our Tacoma Dome Station Bus Shop. We accept credit (except MasterCard), Apple Pay, check, or cash.
How do I receive my order?
- You can choose to have your order shipped to you, or you can pick it up at the Tacoma Dome Station Bus Shop.
- You will receive an email stating when your order has shipped or is ready for pick up.
Who can I contact if I have specific questions regarding the Human Service Ticket and Pass program?
- For more information contact Customer Service at hsa@PierceTransit.org or 253.581.8000.

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