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Be bright. Shine your light!

Be Bright Shine Your Light woman holding flashlight

With the end of Daylight Saving Time comes more hours of darkness in the evening. Whether you’re walking to a bus stop or standing at one while it’s dark outside, Pierce Transit encourages you to think about the importance of being seen by passing motorists. Here are some tips to help you be seen, and be safe. They can also help your bus driver spot you at a bus stop after dark:

  • Use your phone. With your phone lit, wave it slightly to ensure the driver sees you. If you’re using a flashlight app or strobe light app, please don’t shine it directly at the bus.
  • Wear light or bright colors. Choose a light-colored or bright coat and/or accessories, such as a hat, backpack or scarf.
  • Attach safety lights to your clothing or bags. These small solid or blinking lights are inexpensive and easy to find.
  • Carry a flashlight. When the bus approaches, shine your flashlight onto the ground and wave it slightly to catch the bus driver’s attention. Please do not shine it directly at the bus and/or into the driver’s eyes.
  • Wear reflective gear. Inexpensive safety vests and other reflective gear are available at local retailers or online.

To further help, Pierce Transit has installed reflective material on many bus stop poles. These will help bus drivers see the stops more clearly and can be used to catch the driver’s attention if you wave your hand in front of it as the bus approaches.

Be bright. Shine your light!

 

Ride in Safety

Pierce Transit employs 5 different law enforcement agencies to ensure your ride is safe and enjoyable. Ride in peace and know we stand behind you, everywhere you go.

For everyone’s safety and comfort, Pierce Transit regulates conduct on its buses and transit properties.

In simple terms, you need to show respect for your fellow passengers, transit employees and for the transit vehicles and facilities you use.

It only takes one person to ruin the ride.

Those who violate the Rules of the Ride, federal, state or local laws, or Unlawful Transit Conduct (UTC) laws may be asked to leave the vehicle or facility immediately. Violators may be excluded from transit services for a period of up to one year. In addition, Pierce Transit Police and/or Safety, or local law enforcement agencies can cite those in violation of UTC. If you have a question or a concern email us at pubsafety@piercetransit.org.

How you can help

Report any safety or security problems on the bus to the driver.

If situations prevent you from alerting the driver, and you see a serious crime being committed or a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 to report the problem when it’s safe to do so. If the incident is on a bus, be ready to give the route number, direction the bus is traveling, and the bus fleet number. Inside the bus, the fleet number appears in the right front corner, opposite the driver. Outside the bus, it appears on the outer bus corners. 

We appreciate your help in abiding by these Rules of the Ride, and thank you for doing your part to ensure everyone has a safe and comfortable transit experience.

Ride in Safety with Pierce Transit, operator talking to police officer

Rules of the RIDE

Pierce Transit’s Rules of the Ride were developed to protect you and those with whom you ride. Adherence to these rules is mandatory and violators may be excluded from riding.

DO:

  • Pay the correct fare, and have your fare ready.
  • Keep animals in suitable carriers, except service animals.
  • Use headphones and speak quietly when using a cell phone.
  • Make sure to lock brakes on strollers; do not block the aisle, doors or steps.
  • Strollers should be controlled by an adult at all times.
  • Keep children seated and with you while on the bus.
  • Wear appropriate clothing, including shirt and shoes.
  • Be civil and respectful of others.
  • Make room for others when the bus is crowded.
  • Respect transit property.
  • Make sure any food or beverages are in spillproof containers.
  • Use Pierce Transit facilities and services for transit use only.
  • Let the driver know of any problems or concerns you may have during your ride.

DON'T

  • Use alcohol or marijuana.
  • Smoke (including E-Cigarettes or vaping) except in designated areas.
  • Bring any of the following items: gas-powered equipment; gasoline; flammable liquids; fireworks; explosives; or corrosives.
  • Engage in commercial activity or distribute flyers, pamphlets, brochures, or other written material or gather signatures unless authorized by a Pierce Transit facilities use permit.
  • Bring unlawful firearms or other weapons.
  • Disturb, harass, or bother others with loud, raucous, harmful, aggressive, violent, obscene or sexually harassing behavior, profanity, or offensive odors.
Ride in Safety, line up of all the police officers
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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


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