A press release from Pierce Transit.
Pierce Transit will implement its twice-yearly service change Sept. 19, with bus route changes consisting primarily of trip time adjustments on just over a dozen routes. Details of all changes by route are available at PierceTransit.org/pierce-transit-routes.
With this service change Pierce Transit is also moving away from producing the Routes & Schedules books, transitioning to digital resources that provide riders with the most current information available, updated in real time. The Routes & Schedules book has become a dated resource; it is printed only annually and can lead to bus riders referencing obsolete bus schedules, since schedules often change throughout the year. This has been especially evident during the pandemic with the need to change schedules multiple times in response to COVID-19-related impacts.
The transition away from a printed schedule book will significantly reduce the agency’s use of paper, and eliminate time spent developing and distributing books that become less accurate over the year. Customers preferring to use paper schedules may print their own from the PierceTransit.org website—just choose your route and click “Download Route PDF.” Or, riders may request free printed schedules from the agency’s Customer Service department at PierceTransit.org/routes-and-schedules-order-form.
Pierce Transit provides free Wi-Fi on buses and has invested in other technology that helps riders understand system conditions, such as bus departures and delays, in real-time. Riders can get up-to-date information through:
- Public website PierceTransit.org, for complete schedules (to view, download or print by route), maps, trip planning, service alerts and real-time information.
- Monitors at major boarding hubs, showing real-time arrival information.
- Transit app for trip planning and real-time information.
- Route Alerts by Subscription: Sign up at PierceTransit.org/StayConnected.
- Call (from any phone) or text (from a smart phone) your bus stop number to 253.533.7084 for real-time arrival info.
- Call Customer Service for assistance at 253.581.8000, option 1, then option 1 again. They can also print and mail individual route schedules.
Pierce Transit has identified several organizations that offer free cell phones for qualifying people. Visit PierceTransit.org/pierce-transit.routes/ for a list of resources.
For added connections with this service change, starting Sept. 19 and 20 Sound Transit is restoring an afternoon Sounder train trip and adding Express bus service between Seattle/Puyallup and Puyallup/Lakewood. More information can be found on the service changes section of SoundTransit.org/ride-with-us.
