Tideflats 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.
What is the Pierce Transit Tideflats Runner?
The Tideflats Runner provides on-demand public transportation services in commuter-oriented employment zone. The unique patterns and congested street network in the Tideflats area prohibit a regular bus from traveling on many of the streets and roadways. With its smaller vehicles, the Tideflats Runner can get around easily, connecting employees to parking at the Tacoma Dome Station as well as recreation opportunities along Ruston Way. Tideflats Runner service will not operate on the following holidays:
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.
PT Runner service will not operate on the following holidays:
- New Year's Day
- Memorial Day
- July 4th
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
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 253.581.8000 to schedule your trip.
- You can also catch a Tideflats Runner while it’s out and about; just walk up and request a ride. Look for the sign on the dashboard indicating availability.
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 showing a Regional Reduced Fare Permit or paying with an ORCA LIFT card (beginning April 1, 2023)
- 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
STAY CONNECTED
