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STAY CONNECTED
Pierce Transit Key Messages & Topics April 2023
Ride Fare Free on April 22
- Pierce Transit will offer fare free riding privileges on Saturday, April 22, to promote our services and support Earth Day.
- Earth Day is an annual celebration that honors the achievements of the environmental movement and raises awareness of the need to protect Earth’s natural resources for future generations.
- Pierce Transit will jointly promote this year’s event and encourage ridership to the 15th Annual South Sound Sustainability Expo on the University of Washington Tacoma campus.
- The free rides are valid on regularly scheduled Pierce Transit fixed route bus service, SHUTTLE paratransit, and on-demand Runner services.
ORCA LIFT Comes to Pierce Transit
- Effective April 1, 2023, Pierce Transit began accepting ORCA LIFT adult fare payment on bus and Runner services.
- ORCA LIFT is a reduced adult fare program offered to individuals that meet the eligibility requirements of up to, or equal to, 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.
- If you qualify, you will pay $1 per one-way trip on Pierce Transit buses and Runner services (Tideflats, Ruston, Spanaway, JBLM)
- Qualified individuals pay reduced adult fare per one-way trip for the following transit agencies:
- Sound Transit services such as ST Express, Link Light Rail, Sounder Commuter Rail
- King County Metro Buses, Water Taxi, Seattle Monorail, Seattle Streetcar
- Kitsap Transit buses
- Everett Transit buses
- Community Transit buses
- The following enrollment facilities are available to submit applications in person:
- Pierce South Community Service Office on 72nd Street in Tacoma
- Pierce North Community Service Office on South State Street in Tacoma
- Lakewood Community Service Office on Main Street
- And at five Community Health Centers located in Tacoma, Lakewood and Spanaway.
For information and to apply online, open your favorite search engine and search for ORCA LIFT or Click HERE.
Podcast Episode Focuses on ORCA LIFT
- Our latest episode of the South Sound Connected podcast focuses on how ORCA LIFT supports community connections and regional access for qualified passengers.
- The episode features a discussion with Pierce Transit and Sound Transit reps on how the ORCA LIFT program works and how it has impacted riders around Puget Sound.
- Tune in by following this link or searching for South Sound Connected on your favorite podcast platform.
Out in the Community
- Come see the Pierce Transit bus decorated for spring at the Daffodil Parades in downtown Tacoma and Puyallup on April 1.
- We will have our outreach booth at the following events this month:
- first Puyallup Farmers Market of the season on April 15.
- the South Sound Sustainability Expo on April 22 (we’ll also have an electric bus there).
It Pays to Vanpool with Pierce Transit
- Now is a great time to start vanpooling with Pierce Transit.
- New vanpoolers get their first calendar month free. This is an ongoing new rider incentive.
- Pierce Transit has several additional incentives available now through June 30, 2023, or while supplies last:
- Join or start a new vanpool and receive a $100 Amazon gift code.
- Current vanpoolers can earn a $100 Amazon gift code by becoming a vanpool driver or recruiting riders.
- Vanpool drivers that start parking their vanpool vehicle at home can earn a $200 Amazon gift code.
- Check out our webpage, PierceTransit.org/vanpool-rewards for more information on how to earn vanpool rewards.
Free Youth Transit Pass Reminder
- Youth ages 18 and under can now ride fare free on public transit throughout our region.
- Regional transit partners, including Pierce Transit, offer free rides to youth.
- Since launching in September, we have provided ORCA cards to thousands of local youth, and are looking to reach every young person who needs this free service.
- In fact, in the first two months of 2023 we recorded a nearly 13 percent increase in youth rides over that time period in 2022, representing nearly 15 percent of all boardings.
- Those youth with an ORCA card are strongly encouraged to register the card online at myORCA.com or by stopping by our Customer Service Center at Tacoma Dome Station.
- 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.
Ride Runner to Connect with Your Community
- 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 and along Ruston Way, the Tideflats, JBLM and in the Spanaway/Parkland/Midland area.
- Runner can help you get to shops, appointments, work and entertainment.
- For more information on Runner services, including hours and fares, visit PierceTransit.org/Runner.
A Career Awaits at Pierce Transit
- We have an ongoing need for bus drivers, mechanics, public safety officers as well as opportunities that you’d see at any large company – in accounting, payroll, HR, and IT.
- Pierce Transit is a great place to work, offering excellent training and benefits such as health insurance and a generous retirement plan.
- If you know someone looking for a rewarding job with excellent benefits and training, please encourage them to visit PierceTransit.org/careers to apply.
