Pierce Transit bus service and SHUTTLE service for people with disabilities will have several changes made to current schedules effective Sun., June 9. According to Pierce Transit officials, in an effort to maintain as much service as possible, some reduction needs to be made now before major service cuts begin Sept. 29.
Beginning June 9, a number of routes will begin later in the morning and end earlier in the evening. In addition, during weekday peak hours, some routes may have fewer trips. This service change impacts a number of routes on all days of service, so it is important for riders to check individual route schedules for exact times. These changes reflect an approximate four percent reduction from the current service level.
“These reductions, which continue the system-wide downsizing of service, are a result of the recession and the two-time rejection of Proposition 1, which would have increased funding for Pierce Transit,” said Pierce Transit CEO Lynne Griffith. “We continue our commitment to finding everyday efficiencies and seeking new revenue sources in order to provide as much service for our customers as resources allow.”
Detailed route-by-route information about the June 9 and the September 29 service changes is now available online at piercetransit.org or by calling Customer Service at (253) 581-8000. The Pierce Transit route and “The Bus Stops Here” schedule book and Rider Alerts are available on buses, at Bus Shops, and at the regular distribution sites.
Meanwhile, some Sound Transit Express bus routes are changing this weekend to meet increased demands and reduce duplication with other transit choices. The updates are part of Sound Transit’s thrice-yearly service changes.
Riders of Route 586 between Tacoma and Seattle’s University District should note that Sound Transit will temporarily discontinue trips that depart Tacoma Dome Station at 9:15 and 10:15 until University of Washington autumn quarter classes begin. Sound Transit will also temporarily discontinue trips that depart NE 45th St. at University Way NE at 12:38 and 1:38 until University of Washington autumn quarter classes begin.
Other changes include new all-day, every day service between West Seattle and Sea-Tac International Airport; new express service between the Sounder commuter rail station in Kent and the Bellevue/Overlake area; and an additional afternoon rush hour trip between Seattle and Federal Way.
More information is available online at soundtransit.org.
