ICYMI: Pierce Transit News & Updates

Pierce Transit sent this bulletin at 06/07/2019 11:00 AM PDT

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ICYIM

Bus Rapid Transit is coming to Pierce County!

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Sue and Victoria Electric vanpool

Pierce Transit Launches South Sound's First Hybrid-Electric Vanpool Fleet

On May 29, Pierce Transit, in partnership with Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU) and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) celebrated the launch of the South Sound's first hybrid-electric vanpool vans. The public-public partnership includes Pierce Transit vanpool vans, funded through a WSDOT grant, and electric charging infrastructure installed and operated by TPU and aims to model the way for the public and private sector to innovate the ways workers are commuting around the region.

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Voluntary, Reserved Parking Pilot Coming to Tacoma Dome Station

Pierce Transit owns Tacoma Dome Station, where there are 2,400 parking spots available to transit riders. It's almost full by 7 a.m. on weekdays.

The pilot aims to open up transit access to those who have other early-morning obligations, creates a uniform public transit parking experience across the Puget Sound region and allows for demand management for space on early-morning transit trips.

For more information, please click here.

 TDS

Hybrid Alternative Chosen for Bus Rapid Transit Corridor

Pierce Transit is moving ahead with a hybrid design for 14 miles of bus rapid transit (BRT) on Pacific Avenue, including 3.6 miles of center-running dedicated lanes. The Pierce Transit board of commissioners voted 7-0 to back the option, which was painted as the more pedestrian-friendly option. Board chair Nancy Henderson highlighted the “safety factor with fewer lanes that people would have to cross to catch the bus” in explaining the decision.

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BRT Routing
Million Mile Patch

45 Pierce Transit operators join "Million Mile Club"

On Friday, April 26, Pierce Transit inducted 45 bus operators into the agency’s “Million Mile Club,” a rare honor attained by professional drivers nationwide who have driven a million consecutive miles or more – about 12.5 years – without a preventable accident. Five of the operators were recognized for two million miles or more, and one operator became the first in the agency’s history to be recognized for three million miles of accident-free driving.

Each million miles driven equates to about 40 trips around the world, or two trips to the moon and back. It is a feat that would take the average American driver 75 years to accomplish.

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Lyft Logo

Need a Lyft? Pierce Transit Extends Limited Access Connections Program

For some, transit centers are just out of reach. And fortunately, after seeing how successful the program has been for Pierce County residents, the Pierce Transit Board of Commissioners has approved an extension of the Limited Access Connections program. Service will continue to be available for Pierce County commuters wanting to connect to Pierce Transit service through Dec. 2019.

Pierce Transit was one of 11 public transportation providers nationwide chosen to participate in the Mobility On Demand Pilot project and was awarded $205,000 in 2016. As of April 2019, the program has supported a total of 3,307 first-last mile trips to and from transit centers served by Pierce Transit.
HopThru Logo

PiercePay and you're on your way!

Pierce Transit bus customers can now pay for rides on their smart phone or tablet using PiercePay through the free Hopthru app. The feature gives riders the option to purchase passes and tickets anytime, anywhere, and use them at their convenience. As an incentive to use PiercePay, new users will get their first ride or day pass free. PiercePay is valid only on Pierce Transit fixed route buses and special event services. We are offering PiercePay via the Hopthru app for a one-year pilot project; at the end of that time we will evaluate riders’ interest and use, and determine whether to continue offering a mobile ticketing option.