Pierce Transit Introduces Expanded Runner Service

On Sept. 1, Pierce Transit will resume Runner service in the Ruston/Point Defiance area and begin new Runner service to the Tideflats/Port of Tacoma area. These services and “JBLM Runner” service between Lakewood and JBLM are operating under the Pierce Transit Runner brand.

Ruston Runner service began operation Aug. 1, 2020. Service paused in March 2021 due to COVID impacts affecting ridership.

Pierce Transit recognizes the need for innovative public transportation. Runner service is on-demand transportation offering a quick, car-free transportation solution typically provided in areas with limited public transportation options. It provides people who live, work and play in these areas a link to traditional transit and a quick, affordable and car-free way to access businesses, attractions and activities within and between zones.

Runner addresses the unique challenges these areas offer to traditional scheduled bus service while offering benefits to the rider and public, including:

Increased job opportunities in underserved areas
Improved access to recreation and entertainment
Increased safety where few safe, accessible stops are available, by loading and unloading passengers in secure locations
On-demand and dynamically routed transit offers flexibility for workers on non-traditional shifts
Rideshare decreases congestion during busiest commute times
Decreases crowding in parking areas
Reduced emissions
Offers a first-last mile solution for connections to traditional public transportation
Smaller vehicles have access to locations that a personal car can travel

Ruston Runner
The zone served by Ruston Runner includes Ruston Way, Point Ruston, parts of the town of Ruston, a section of Dock Street and part of the Tideflats along the Foss Waterway. The zone includes Commerce Street Transit Center Zone A in downtown Tacoma and the Tacoma Dome Station, where riders can make transit connections to local and regional transportation. The Ruston Runner is available seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Tideflats Runner
The Tideflats Runner zone is bordered to the south by I-5, north to Commencement Bay and just west of Pacific Avenue eastward to Marine View Drive. The Tideflats Runner operates in a new commuter-oriented employment zone offering access to jobs in an area previously without transportation benefits. The area includes major transit hubs, Tacoma Dome Station and Commerce Street Transit Center for easy connections to several local and regional transit modes. The overlap between the Ruston and Tideflat zones at Commerce Street Transit Center allows riders to travel between zones, eliminating a vehicle transfer between Runner zones. Hours of operation for the Tideflats Runner are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.

Pierce Transit Runner vans are wheelchair accessible and equipped with a ramp so mobility devices can come on board. Each vehicle can accommodate one mobility device or bike.

To book trips for the Ruston or Tideflats Runner service, use the “Goin” app. After downloading and opening the app, riders select the Pierce Transit Runner service from a list of options for service in the area. Then they will select a pick-up and destination location within the zone. Anyone who does not have a smartphone may call 253.270.1340 to schedule a trip.

Riders may pay using One Ride Tickets, All Day Passes or a 30-Day Pass purchased through PiercePay on the Passage: Transit Ticketing app (beginning Sept. 1). Riders may also show the Runner driver their valid ORCA card or paper All Day Pass. Cash is not accepted onboard Runner.

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

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Trip Planner Help

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

You don't need to type in the city along with the address. 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 110 Jones instead of 110 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 1000 Main instead of 1000 S Main. But type 1000 West Viewmont for 1000 West Viewmont Way W.)
Some streets and addresses are unknown to the Trip Planner. You may need to enter another nearby location, such as an intersection or a landmark.
You should not enter the suite number or apartment number. Just the house number and street name (Example: type in 401 Broadway instead of 401 Broadway Avenue Suite 800).

Intersections

The "&" symbol is the only character used between two street names to show an intersection. (Examples: 1st & B, James & Madison)
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