Ruston Runner
Fare Amendment Proposal Update
On February 13, 2023, Pierce Transit Board of Commissioners approved the fare amendment proposal of 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.
Service Changes to Improve Your Ride
Now that our Runner on-demand service is established in four zones, the Planning team is making some upgrades to the services based on ridership data, program performance and customer feedback. The changes will help riders better plan their multimodal trips, successfully connect with our fixed route service and more efficiently share trips with other passengers. Here is a summary of the improvements:
Ride Pooling: Later this Spring, Pierce Transit will be testing shared or “pooled” rides for Ruston, Tideflats, and Spanaway Runners. This will help reduce rider wait times and make more efficient use of available vehicles. Trips will follow the most direct route that accommodates all riders’ destinations.
Transit App Integration: Starting later this year, riders will be able to plan Runner trips using the Transit app. This will allow for multimodal trip planning, such as taking Runner to a bus stop or transit hub, or biking to a Runner zone to get picked up. Riders can pay Runner fare using an ORCA card or Transit's mobile ticketing option.
Runner continues to gain popularity as a first and last mile connector to certain transit centers, bus stops and regional hubs like Tacoma Dome Station. This “feeder service” provides an easy, on-demand way for more people to get on board with transit.
How is Pierce Transit Runner operated?
The Ruston Runner is provided in partnership with MedStar, a Washington-based company that specializes in accessible, user-friendly transportation. The vans used for Pierce Transit’s Ruston Runner can accommodate wheelchairs and bicycles, so the service is easy for anyone to use. These vehicles will pick you up and drop you off anywhere a car can go. Parking lots and pull-outs along Ruston Way make great meeting places and give you quick access to local restaurants and shops. Designated pick-up and drop-off areas at Tacoma Dome Station and Commerce Street Station make transferring to and from buses a breeze.Things to remember:
Cash fares cannot be accepted on-board; load cash onto your ORCA E-Purse at ticket vending machines or participating ORCA retail locations. You must use the app or call to book a ride. Vehicles may be flagged down for a ride. Service animals are welcome on board but we cannot accommodate pets. The service is open to anyone but is not designed to accommodate large groups. When booking your trip for more than one person, remember to specify how many people are riding together in your group. This is a pilot project and service may be limited especially at peak times and when events are happening in the zone.
Ruston Runner service will not operate on the following holidays:
- New Year's Day
- Memorial Day
- July 4th
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
What is Pierce Transit Runner?
The Ruston Runner provides on-demand point to point public transportation services in a recreation zone along Ruston Way in Tacoma. By using vans, the Ruston Runner can successfully travel on the many narrow streets between Point Ruston and downtown Tacoma where full-size buses cannot go. The Ruston Runner is a great way for patrons to get to work, dining, shopping, parking and to the 10th & Commerce Transit Station.
What is the zone?
The zone is the area served by Pierce Transit Runner. It encompasses Tacoma's Ruston Way, some of the Town of Ruston, a section of Dock Street and part of the Tideflats. Check out the map for a complete view. You can board the Ruston Runner at 10th & Commerce Street Station Zone A, and at Tacoma Dome Station west of the bus platform’s Zone A. The zone is active 7 days per week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Why should I try Pierce Transit Runner?
The waterfront offers a lot of different things to see and do for locals and visitors alike. Parking along the waterfront and Dock Street can be challenging, but if you take Pierce Transit Runner, you can leave your car at home. If you live in the zone, you can use Pierce Transit Runner to connect to local and regional transit hubs to get to school or work. If you work in the zone, you can combine Pierce Transit Runner with a bus or train ride to get from a transit hub to your workplace. When visiting multiple waterfront attractions, Pierce Transit Runner can be used to move throughout the corridor. Bikes are welcome on board as space allows.
How do I get a ride?
- Find travel options and plan your trip from the Transit App (coming soon)
- Book trips using your smart phone by downloading the Goin App
- If you don’t have a smart phone, you can call 253.270.1340 to schedule your trip.
What does it cost to ride and how do I pay?
Pierce Transit Runner has the same fare as riding a Pierce Transit bus:- $2.00 for an adult
- $1.00 for those with Regional Reduced Fare Permit and ORCA LIFT
- FREE for Youth riders 18 and younger (must show Youth ORCA card or valid student ID).
There are three ways to pay:
- Use Transit app with mobile fare of your choice (One Ride Ticket, All Day Pass or 30 Day Pass)
- Tap your valid ORCA card
- Show the driver your valid Paper Pass
- For youth riders only, show the driver your student ID
