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STAY CONNECTED
Pierce Transit Key Messages & Topics November 2022
Pierce Transit will operate on a Sunday schedule on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 24. The Friday after Thanksgiving, services will operate on a regular weekday schedule.
Bus Rapid Transit Progressing
- Pierce Transit continues to work with local, state and federal partners to make our first Bus Rapid Transit line a reality.
- Called Stream, this new type of service will provide fast, efficient, frequent transit service to our community, with the first line serving a 14.4-mile portion of Pacific Avenue/SR-7 between downtown Tacoma and Spanaway. The corridor is currently served by Pierce Transit’s Route 1, which has the agency’s highest ridership.
- The new service is expected to begin in 2027, and we anticipate that the first utility adjustment work will start along the corridor within the next year to get ready for the service.
- Watch for more information in early 2023, and keep an eye on RideStream.org.
Be Bright. Shine Your Light!
- With Autumn and Winter come more hours of darkness and inclement weather.
- Whether you’re walking to a bus stop or standing at one while it’s dark and rainy 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 as a beacon. 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.
- 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 the reflector as the bus approaches.
When Snow Starts to Fall
- When it snows, check out PierceTransit.org/snow-extreme-weather to learn bus riding safety tips, view our Snow Guide, see which buses are on snow routes and any detours or closures.
- Find out how to stay up to date as we approach winter on any weather-related service changes by signing up at PierceTransit.org/StayConnected to receive alerts, or by using the Transit app.
Free Youth Transit Pass Now Available
- As part of the State Legislature’s Move Ahead Washington transportation package, youth ages 18 and under now ride fare free on public transit throughout our region.
- Regional transit partners, including Pierce Transit, are offering free rides to youth.
- Youth can show a valid youth ORCA card or school ID card to the driver to ride free.
- Take a look at our webpage, PierceTransit.org/FreeYouthPass, for more information on how to get your card and access these free transit rides for youth.
Runner Connects More Neighborhoods
- Pierce Transit Runner is an on-demand service that offers a quick, car-free transportation solution, typically in areas with limited transit options.
- There are four Runner zones serving Pierce County, providing connections to Ruston, the Tideflats, JBLM and now in the Spanaway/Parkland/Midland area… especially helpful to the many seniors and those with limited mobility options who live in this area.
- For more information on Runner services, including hours and fares, visit PierceTransit.org/Runner.
Get on Board with a Great Career
- There are many types of jobs available at Pierce Transit.
- We have an ongoing need for bus drivers, mechanics, public safety officers and people providing support services throughout our system.
- We also have administrative jobs like you’d see at any large company – accounting, payroll, HR, and IT.
- Pierce Transit is a great place to work, offering excellent benefits such as health insurance and state retirement.
- For bus drivers, there is paid training time and help getting a Commercial Driver’s License. Our award-winning driver training program includes new technology, such as virtual reality to help you learn to operate the bus.
- We also have a mechanic apprenticeship program.
- If you know someone looking for a rewarding, family-wage job with excellent benefits and training, please encourage them to visit PierceTransit.org/careers to apply.
Moving Forward
When we say the safety of our riders and employees is our top priority, we mean it. As soon as COVID-19 hit we took immediate action implementing safety measures and precautions to keep our operators and riders safe and provide them with peace of mind. You’ll see our commitment to reconnecting you to life throughout Pierce Transit's service area. We want to point out some things that may look a little different next time you ride.
