Stream

Service Begins April 1, 2024

Pierce Transit is implementing a high-capacity transit service between Spanaway and Tacoma Dome Station. This new service, called Stream Community Line, will be frequent, rapid and convenient, with upgraded amenities at stops and fewer stops along the way, contributing to a faster trip. The Stream Community Line will be offered in addition to the existing Route 1, which will continue to stop at all its existing bus stops. Stream Community Line will begin and end at Tacoma Dome Station for additional transit connections.

You can plan ahead by using our regional Trip Planner, beginning about 10 days before service begins. Starting on March 31, 2024, visit the Stream Community Line page for complete schedules. You can also see an overview of how Stream Community Line fits into the overall Pierce Transit system by using our Interactive System Map .

What is Stream?

A phased approach to providing fast, frequent transit service between Spanaway and Tacoma
Buses run every 20 minutes during peak commute times, on weekdays mornings and afternoon
Stops at just 14 major bus stops – saving travel time in each direction
Makes a stop at Tacoma Dome Station for local and regional connections
Is provided in addition to Route 1. Customers traveling between Spanaway, Parkland and the Dome District can choose a ride that makes all stops along Pacific Avenue, or a ride with limited stops that gets up and down the corridor more quickly
In the near future, all Stream stops will have lighted shelters, benches, real-time arrival signs and other amenities
Stream buses will be able to hold a green light longer, allowing the bus to get through and keeping the bus on the move for a faster trip
Fare is the same as Pierce Transit local service (including free for ages 18 and under) and uses all existing ORCA, mobile and paper ticketing options, as well as exact cash.

Benefits of Stream

Immediate relief for overcapacity Route 1 riders
Makes a vital connection at Tacoma Dome Station lacking in Route 1 today
Supports riders and the community to deliver travel time savings and frequency

What is the Difference Between Stream and Route 1?

Route 1 is Pierce Transit’s highest-ridership route, making many stops along the Pacific Avenue/State Route 7 Corridor and running from very early in the morning until late evening, 7 days a week.
Stream Community Line is designed to make fewer stops, and will make those stops at major intersections that have had historically high numbers of boardings for Route 1.
Stream Community Line runs on weekdays during morning and afternoon/evening to help those riders who commute to/from downtown Tacoma and who connect to other local and regional transit services for work.
Route 1 will continue to serve the corridor alongside Stream, with its current route path from Spanaway through downtown Tacoma and on to Tacoma Community College.
Route 1 and Stream Community Line will share some bus stops. Stream stops will be enhanced with lighted shelters, benches, real-time arrival signs and other amenities.
• Stream Community Line buses will have a distinct look, They’ll be easy to spot, with “Stream Community Line” branding, and “Stream Community Line” on the destination sign above the windshield, allowing riders to differentiate between Stream service and service on other Pierce Transit routes.

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