Changes coming to Pierce Transit services in May and June

Pierce Transit is making several changes to its service in May and June. Details are outlined below; they are also available at PierceTransit.org.

Some Bus Service Restored May 24

Starting Sunday, May 24, Pierce Transit will restore some of the bus service that has been recently reduced as a result of the pandemic:

- Routes 1, 2, 48, 54, 500 – Weekdays on normal schedule (Route 1 with enhanced service)

- Routes 3, 4, 10, 11, 16, 28, 41, 42, 45, 52, 53, 55, 57, 100, 202, 206, 212, 214, 400, 402, 409, 501 – On weekdays the bus will only arrive as often as it would on Saturdays, but the schedule will have typical weekday morning start/evening end times.

- Route 63 – On weekdays, running on a modified schedule with reduced trips.

- Route 497 – On weekdays, running on a modified schedule with reduced trips to align with the Sound Transit Sounder schedule.

- Routes 13, 102, 425 – Service discontinued until further notice.
Beginning May 20, customers may download new schedules via a digital Routes and Schedules book at PierceTransit.org/pierce-transit-routes. Updated timetables will be available at that website May 24.
This new level of service is expected to run through September 19, 2020.
Note that on Memorial Day, May 25, Pierce Transit routes will follow Sunday schedules, and The Bus Shop will be closed, with no phone service available.

Fares Reinstated June 14

Starting Sunday, June 14, Pierce Transit will reinstate fares for buses and SHUTTLE paratransit vehicles.
Passengers will begin boarding from the front doors.
The agency is installing clear barriers around the operator area to protect drivers, and customer social distancing on buses will remain by marking off some seats and allowing only 15 passengers on a bus. Follow-behind buses are already running on busy routes to pick up extra passengers.
For those experiencing financial hardship who are essential workers or need to take an essential trip, Pierce Transit works with many social service agencies around the area to provide reduced-price tickets that they make available for free to clients. Pierce Transit is committed to ensuring that essential workers and those who need to make an essential trip, and cannot afford a bus pass, will be able to reach their destination.

The Bus Shop Customer Service Lobby at Tacoma Dome Station Reopening May 18

To assist customers wishing to purchase fares in advance of June 14, The Bus Shop customer service lobby at Tacoma Dome Station has reopened with limited hours and new social distancing requirements in place.
Hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., until further notice.
To maintain social distancing, only two customers will be allowed to enter The Bus Shop lobby at a time. Customers are strongly encouraged to wear a mask or other face covering.
Customer phone assistance remains open by calling 253.581.8000, Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Customer Service for Purchasing Fare, Getting Route Information

As stated above, The Bus Shop lobby at Tacoma Dome Station is now open on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. until further notice. Only two customers are allowed in the lobby area at a time for social distancing, and facial coverings are highly recommended.
Customers can reach Pierce Transit Customer Services by phone at 253.581.8000, Option 1, 1, weekdays from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Customers may purchase Pierce Transit tickets and passes through the Hopthru app.
ORCA customers can call 888.889.6368, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to get assistance.
ORCA retail outlets are available; visit PierceTransit.org/orca-outlets for Pierce County locations, hours and forms of payment.
ORCA Ticket Vending Machines will be back online June 1 – visit Orcacard.com for locations.
Bus locator assistance:
- PierceTransit.org/Change updated schedules on each route page
- Text 253.533.7084, enter bus stop number found on pole
- Use a bus locator app, such as Transit or One Bus Away

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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