When it snows or is icy, sometimes bus routes need to go on detour to operate safely. Here is how you can stay informed about whether your route is on detour:
- Routes that are on detour are listed on the PierceTransit.org home page (see Route Status).
- Sign up for text alerts for your particular route(s). Visit PierceTransit.org/StayConnected and enter your mobile number in the box on the right to sign up.
- Visit our Snow/Extreme Weather page to see where the bus goes - and doesn't go - when it's on detour. Scroll to Snow Detour Maps and click on the tab for your route(s).
- Download our Snow Brochure at our Snow/Extreme Weather page.
- Call a Pierce Transit's Customer Service Representative at 253.581.8000 (press option 1 three times). Our team can give you information about the status of your route.
- Become familiar with the Downtown Tacoma Snow Circulator that Pierce Transit puts in place when roads are too slick for regular buses to travel around downtown Tacoma. When the Circulator is in place, all Pierce Transit buses (except Route 63) that normally stop at Commerce Street will take a safer route to 10th and Yakima, where you can make connections to other routes. Just go to any bus stop on the green or purple routes shown on the Snow Circulator map at our Snow/Extreme Weather page. A specially-marked Snow Circulator van will come by about every 15-20 minutes and take you to 10th and Yakima where you can transfer to your regular bus.
Here are some tips for riding the bus in snow and ice:
- Wait for the bus at the top or bottom of the hill closest to the stop
- Signal the bus so the driver has plenty of time to stop
- Wait until the bus stops and the door opens before approaching the bus
- Use handrails when getting on and off the bus
- Wear highly visible and warm clothing