Public transit passengers now have two new transportation options for traveling throughout Tacoma and Pierce County.

First, Pierce Transit has reintroduced express service between Northeast Tacoma and downtown Tacoma. The new Route 63 is a one-year pilot project to test demand for the service, and it is the first time since 2011 Pierce Transit has been able to offer direct service between Northeast Tacoma and downtown Tacoma. In addition, Pierce Transit has partnered with King County Metro, which is extending its Route 903 to connect with Pierce Transit’s new Route 63. King County Metro Route 903 delivers and picks people up in their neighborhoods around Northeast Tacoma and at the Federal Way Transit Center. Riders can use an ORCA card to seamlessly ride both systems. More information about Pierce Transit’s Northeast Tacoma Express Route 63 is available online here.

Second, Pierce Transit Route 495—which originates at the Puyallup Sounder Station and runs to the South Hill Park & Ride and the South Hill Mall—has changed to Sound Transit Route 580. The new route aims to offer riders several improved service options, such as service to and from the Lakewood Sounder Station; new morning service; and better connections with Sounder commuter rail service. More information about Sound Transit’s Route 580 is available online at soundtransit.org/new580.