Pierce Transit JBLM Runner service rebranded, open to full capacity

On July 1, Pierce Transit began operating the JBLM Runner service at full capacity. Since September 2020 the service was running at 50 percent capacity due to pandemic social distancing mandates. The service also has a newly rebranded vehicle and a new name, the JBLM Runner (formerly known as the JBLM Connector).

Pierce Transit’s Runner service is on-demand transportation offering a quick, car-free mobility option for riders in areas with limited transportation options, often offered during peak travel hours. It provides people who live, work and play in these areas an easy, economical and environmentally friendly way to access businesses, attractions and activities. Connections to various local and regional transit modes at the pick-up and drop-off sites further expand rider options.

The JBLM Runner service operates between McChord AFB and the Lakewood Transit Center at the following stops (for both pick-ups and drop-offs) located in Lakewood and on base. An approved Department of Defense ID is required to ride.

Lakewood Transit Center
Lakewood Station Bay 6
Bridgeport & Pacific Hwy SW
Bridgeport & San Francisco
Barnes Blvd. & D Street
McChord Base Exchange (Barnes Blvd. & 14th St)
Air Museum (Barnes Blvd & Lincoln Blvd. SW)
McChord Base Commissary (Near the front doors)

It’s easy to request a pick-up. Go to one of the boarding locations and call 253.377.4380 when you are ready to ride. Be prepared to give the agent your exact location, and the Runner will be on its way to pick you up. On-demand service for the JBLM Runner is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Service may vary on and around Federal holidays.

Fares for the JBLM Runner service are $2 for full-fare riders, $1 for youth or Regional Reduced Fare Permit cardholders. Riders may pay using Pierce Transit’s mobile app, PiercePay on the Hopthru app, or by purchasing One Ride Tickets, All Day Passes or a 30-Day Pass. Riders may also show the Runner driver their valid ORCA card or paper All Day Pass. Cash payment for fares on the JBLM Runner is also accepted.

Watch for Pierce Transit to expand Runner on-demand service to additional locations in the near future. Soon the Ruston Runner will resume, allowing riders to enjoy activities along Ruston Way and the Foss Waterway, with transit connections in downtown Tacoma. A new Runner service to the Port of Tacoma will also get underway soon, expanding opportunities for people to use the Runner to get to jobs located in that area.

More information on this and other Pierce Transit innovative services is available at PierceTransit.org.

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Trip Planner Tips - Entering Locations

To create a trip plan you need to enter both a starting location (origin) and an ending location (destination). For information about stops, schedules, or service at a specific location, you only need to enter one location.

The Trip Planner recognizes most street intersections and addresses as well as many landmarks in Pierce, King, and Snohomish Counties. If what you entered is not immediately recognized, the Trip Planner will offer you a list of options. You can choose one of the options, but if your intended location is not there, select the "Revise Original Entries" link to return to the entry page and change the entries you have already made.

Addresses

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You don't need to type in St., Street, Ave., or Avenue, or similar street types. The Trip Planner shows the possible alternatives as options if needed. (Example: type 110 Jones instead of 110 Jones Boulevard.)
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You don't need to type in the city. The Trip Planner shows the possible city names as options if needed. City names are based on zip codes.
You don't need to type in St., Street, Ave., or Avenue, or similar street types. The Trip Planner shows the possible alternatives as options if needed. (Example: type Conifer & Jones instead of Conifer Circle & Jones Boulevard.)
You don't need to type in the directional designations for streets, but if a direction name is part of a street name, you should include it. (Example: type 3rd & Main instead of 3rd S & S Main. But type 34th & West Viewmont for 34th W & West Viewmont Way W.)
Some streets are unknown to the Trip Planner. You may need to enter another nearby intersection or a landmark.

Landmarks

Government Sites: Pierce County Health Dept, Pierce Co Sheriffs Office, Tacoma City Hall

Major Commercial Sites: Tacoma Mall, Sheraton Hotel

Transportation Facilities: Sea-Tac Airport, Greyhound Bus Depot

Schools & Colleges: Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma Community College

Sports & Leisure: Cheney Stadium, Pt Defiance Zoo

Medical Facilities: Group Health, Tacoma General Hospital