2007 Press Releases • 2006 Press Releases • 2005 Press Releases

Contact: Lars Erickson, Public Relations Officer        253.984-8218

For Release:  Immediate                                       
Date:  Monday, December 22, 2008

Pierce Transit Christmas and New Year’s Schedule
Ride for Free on Christmas Day

LAKEWOOD, WA – Pierce Transit will operate local bus and SHUTTLE service on a Sunday schedule on Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25, and New Year’s Day, Thursday, January 1.

On Christmas Day, Pierce Transit will provide local bus and SHUTTLE service for free.

There will be no Olympia Express service on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Pierce Transit will operate regular service schedules on Christmas Eve Day, Wednesday, December 24 and New Year’s Eve Day, Wednesday, December 31.

Also, Pierce Transit will resume regular schedules after Christmas on Friday, December 26 and after New Year’s Day on Friday, January 2.

Pierce Transit administrative offices and Bus Shops will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

For additional information call Pierce Transit Customer Service at 253-581-8000, or visit the Pierce Transit web site at www.piercetransit.org.

For Release:  Immediate                                       
Date:  Monday, November 24, 2008

Pierce Transit Thanksgiving Schedule
Ride for Free on Thanksgiving Day

LAKEWOOD, WA – On Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27th, Pierce Transit services will operate on a Sunday schedule.  There will be no Olympia Express service and Bus PLUS will not operate.  Pierce Transit administrative offices and all Bus Shops will be closed.
 
Pierce Transit will provide local bus and SHUTTLE service rides for free on Thanksgiving Day.

On Friday, November 28th, Pierce Transit services will operate on a regular weekday schedule, administrative offices and the Commerce St. and Tacoma Dome Station Bus Shops will be closed.  The Lakewood Bus Shop sales office will be open from 10am – 4pm, and phone information will be available from 9am – 5pm.
 
For additional information call Pierce Transit Customer Service at 253-581-8000, or visit the Pierce Transit web site at www.piercetransit.org <http://www.piercetransit.org> .

For Release:  Immediate                                       
Date:  Thursday, September 4, 2008

Pierce Transit Wins Award for Daffodil Bus

Lakewood, WA - Pierce Transit’s award winning Marketing Department has done it again, winning a First Place Award for the 2008 Daffodil Festival Bus in the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) 29th Annual AdWheel Awards. The awards recognize APTA member organizations for excellence in advertising, communication, marketing, and promotions.

A 40-foot bus was fully wrapped with a scene depicting an expansive field of yellow daffodils beneath a brilliant blue sky. Eight children, ages two through six, are pictured on the sides and back of the bus in playful poses, holding daffodils. They are all children of Pierce Transit employees. The bus was designed by Senior Marketing Design Specialist Lorie Bartnes and the children’s photography was done by Community Relations Coordinator Lind Simonsen.

The bus made its public appearance debut at the Junior Daffodil Parade on April 5, and the Grand Floral Parade on April 12. Every day the bus is assigned to different routes throughout the Pierce Transit service area, on any given day it can appear anywhere within the Pierce Transit 417 square-mile service area.

Pierce Transit will be recognized at a special ceremony during the October APTA Annual Meeting and EXPO 2008 in San Diego.

###

A photo of the award winning 2008 Pierce Transit Daffodil Festival Bus can be seen (and downloaded for publication) here.

For Release:  Immediate                                       
Date:  Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Take Pierce Transit to the Puyallup Fair

Lakewood, WA- Beginning Friday, September 5, through Sunday, September 21, ride Pierce Transit’s non-stop Puyallup Fair Express service from eight convenient Pierce County locations:

· Tacoma Community College Transit Center

· Tacoma Dome Station

· Downtown Tacoma (10th & Commerce, no free parking)

· South Hill Mall (Southeast lot near Meridian)

· Bonney Lake Park & Ride

· Sumner Train Station

· Lakewood Towne Center

· I-5/SR 512 Park & Ride (Sat/Sun Only)

Parking is FREE at all locations except Downtown Tacoma.

Express service runs often and conveniently drops off and picks up from the Blue Gate. Service is only $1.50 each way (exact change), for convenience it is highly recommended riders purchase a return ticket at their point of origin. Valid local transfers are worth $1.50 toward the fare. For senior or disabled riders, a Regional Reduced Fare Permit must be shown with a 75¢ fare.

Schedules vary by location, for more information call Pierce Transit Customer Service at 253-581-8000, or visit the Pierce Transit web site at www.piercetransit.org.

In 2007, Pierce Transit provided over 100,000 express trips during the Puyallup Fair.

For Release:  Immediate                                       
Date:  Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Pierce Transit Labor Day Schedule

LAKEWOOD, WA – On Labor Day, Monday, September 1st, Pierce Transit services will operate on a Sunday schedule. Bus PLUS will not operate.

Pierce Transit’s Olympia Express routes 601 and 603A will not be in operation. People planning transit travel between Tacoma and Olympia on Monday may take Intercity Transit route 620.

Pierce Transit administrative offices and all Bus Shop facilities will be closed.

For additional information call Pierce Transit Customer Service at 253-581-8000.

For Release:  Immediate                                       
Date:  Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Pierce Transit Seeks Public Comment on Fare Revisions

LAKEWOOD, WA – The public is invited to attend a September 8th, 2008 Pierce Transit Board of Commissioners meeting to comment on a proposed fare revision that would be implemented in January 2009.  The proposed fare would not impact local service fares for senior/disabled and youth riders, or SHUTTLE riders. 

The proposed fares are as follows:

The last fare increase for Pierce Transit local routes was in March 2006; the Olympia Express fare has not changed since 1999.

The September 8th Pierce Transit Board of Commissioner’s meeting will take place at 4:00 P.M. in the Rainier Room of Pierce Transit’s Training Center, 3720 96th St. SW, Lakewood, WA.

# # #

For Release:  Immediate                                       
Date:  Thursday, July 31, 2008

From: American Public Transportation Association Transit News

Contacts: Virginia Miller, 202-496-4816 • Mantill Williams, 202-496-4869

PUBLIC TRANSIT USERS AVOID HIGH GAS PRICES:
SAVE OVER $8,000 per HOUSEHOLD ANNUALLY

WASHINGTON, DC – A person can save more than $8,000 per year annually by taking public transportation instead of driving based on today’s gas prices, according to new analysis released today by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). According to APTA’s “Monthly Transit Savings Report” a person can save an average of $672 dollars per month based on today’s gas price of $3.909 as reported by AAA. The savings are more than the average household pays for food in a year.

APTA will release once a month a “Transit Savings Report” which shows how much a person can save on a monthly and yearly basis by taking public transit and living with one less car in his or her household. Gas prices have increased by 179.9 percent since 2003 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. After factoring in today’s average gas price and the average transit fare, the analysis shows that a person can save $672 a month and $8,059 per year by riding public transit. The annual cost savings is almost $2,000 more than the annual cost of food, according to the Food Institute ($6,111).

“We are releasing our ‘Transit Savings Report’ once a month to remind consumers that taking public transportation is the quickest way to save money and beat the high price of gasoline,” said William W. Millar, president of APTA. “In these tough economic times, a record number of Americans are saying my other car is the train or bus and it helps me balance my budget.”

The top 20 cities with the highest ridership are ranked in order of their transit savings based on the purchase of a monthly public transportation pass and factoring in today’s local gas prices.*

Top Twenty Cities – Transit Savings Report

*Based on gasoline prices as reported by AAA on 7/31/08.

APTA calculates the average cost of taking public transit by determining the average monthly transit pass of local public transit agencies across the country. This information is based on the annual APTA fare collection survey and is weighted based on ridership (unlinked passenger trips). The assumption is that a person making a switch to public transportation would likely purchase an unlimited pass on the local transit agency, typically available on a monthly basis.

APTA then compares the average monthly transit fare to the average cost of driving. The cost of driving is calculated using the 2008 AAA average cost of driving formula. AAA cost of driving formula is based on variable cost and fixed cost. The variable cost includes the cost of gas, maintenance and tires. The fixed cost includes insurance, license registration, depreciation and finance charges. The comparison also uses the average mileage of a mid-size auto at 23.4 miles per gallon and today’s price for self-serve regular unleaded as recorded by AAA at $3.909 per gallon. The analysis also assumes that a person will drive an average of 15,000 miles per year. The savings assumes a two person household will live with one less car.

To calculate your individual savings with or without car ownership, go to www.publictransportation.org.

# # #

Pierce Transit Board Elects New Officers

LAKEWOOD, WA – New officers were elected at the July Pierce Transit Board of Commissioners meeting. Dave Enslow, Mayor of Sumner, was elected Chair and Mike Lonergan, Tacoma City Councilmember, was elected Vice Chair.

Mayor Enslow replaces outgoing Chair, Pierce County Executive John Ladenburg, who will remain on the Board. Councilmember Lonergan replaces Mayor Enslow as Vice Chair.

“My sincere gratitude goes to County Executive Ladenburg for his service as Chair of the Pierce Transit Board of Commissioners,” said Pierce Transit CEO Lynne Griffith. “His vision and leadership ensures that Pierce Transit will continue to meet the needs of our community for many years to come. I look forward to working with Mayor Enslow and Councilmember Lonergan to build on our rich tradition of innovation.”

Pierce Transit is governed by a nine-member Board of Commissioners. The board is made up of elected officials representing Pierce County, Tacoma, Lakewood and the smaller towns and cities of our service area. The Board of Commissioners meets the second Monday of each month at 4:00 p.m. at Pierce Transit headquarters in Lakewood.

# # #

Ride Free to McChord Air Expo 2008

LAKEWOOD, WA – To honor the men and women in our community who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces, on Saturday, July 19 and Sunday, July 20, Pierce Transit will provide free round-trip express service to McChord Air Force Base for Air Expo 2008.   Pierce Transit’s express service will begin at 7:30 a.m. from two locations, the parking lot behind the Barnes & Noble and Target stores at Lakewood Towne Center and the 512 Park & Ride lot.  The last buses will leave these locations going to the event at 3:00 p.m. each day.  All bus service, including return bus service, will stop running at 3:00 p.m. each day during the U.S. Air Force’s Thunderbirds aerial demonstration.  Return bus service will resume upon the conclusion of the world-renowned aerial demonstration.
 
The flying is scheduled to start at 11:00 a.m. both days.

# # #

For additional information about Pierce Transit service, please call Customer Service at 253-581-8000, or visit the Pierce Transit web site.
 
For media inquiries about Pierce Transit, please contact Lars Erickson at lerickson@piercetransit.org.

For information on McChord Air Expo 2008, please visit http://www.mcchordairexpo.com

For Release:  Immediate                                       
Date:  Friday, June 27, 2008

Pierce Transit July 4th Holiday Service

LAKEWOOD, WA – During the upcoming July 4th holiday, area residents and visitors can use Pierce Transit services to enjoy local events.

July 3-7, Tall Ships Festival, Foss Waterway, Tacoma

Ride one of the 12 Pierce Transit routes with service to Tall Ships activities: 1, 11, 13, 41, 42, 48, 53, 61, 102, 490, 500 & 501 offer service to and from downtown Tacoma with stops at 15th, 17th and 19th & Pacific Avenue. Routes 2, 3, 16, 26, 45 & 57 don't come quite as close, although it's still just a short walk downhill, you can easily transfer from them on Commerce Street to routes that serve Pacific Avenue.

One way fare is $1.50, or on Friday, July 4, Saturday, and Sunday, buy an all day pass for just $3.00 and ride as often as you want.

July 4, Freedom Fair

The big one! Catch the 4th of July Express to Old Town from Tacoma Community College and the Tacoma Dome Station. Service starts at 10am and runs every 15 minutes until 8pm. Catch express service back to your car after the fireworks, lasting until all riders have been brought back.

Express bus fare is $1.50 each way, or you can buy an all day pass for $3.00 and ride as often as you want on the 4th of July Express and any local route.

On Friday, July 4, Pierce Transit route 13 will operate on a special half-hour schedule from 8:18 am until 8:00 pm. Service will resume on route 13 after the fireworks. Pierce Transit’s Olympia Express, routes 601 and 603A, will not be in operation. People planning transit travel between Tacoma and Olympia on Friday, July 4, may take Intercity Transit route 620. All other local bus service and the SHUTTLE paratransit service will operate on a Sunday schedule. Pierce Transit Customer Service will be available to answer any questions from 9:00 am-5:00 pm at 253-581-8000.

Pierce Transit administrative offices and all Bus Shop facilities will be closed on Friday, July 4, 2008.

For Release:  Immediate                                       
Date:  Tuesday, June 17, 2008

$4.30 a Gallon? Dump the Pump, June 19!

SEATTLE, Wash. – With local gas prices higher than the national average, residents in the Puget Sound region have turned to public transportation in record numbers. A survey of local transit ridership in April 2008 showed 520,000 passengers using buses, trains, ferries, vanpools and paratransit to get around each weekday, a record high.
 
To demonstrate how easy it is to use transit, local agencies are urging residents to park their cars and ride public transportation on June 19, National Dump the Pump Day.
 
Community Transit, Everett Transit, Intercity Transit, King County Metro Transit, Kitsap Transit, Pierce Transit and Sound Transit are joining transit agencies across the country to ask those who’ve never tried transit to take a ride, and regular transit users to leave their vehicles at home and only use transit that day. That means hopping the bus or a train, sharing the ride in a carpool or vanpool, or using human power by cycling or walking.

“People are really thinking about how they get around and many are taking action by getting out of their cars and onto transit,” said Joyce Eleanor, CEO of Community Transit. “Dump the Pump Day is a time for people to make a statement about the choices they’re willing to make.”
 
“Whether they are going to work, a doctor’s office, or shopping, it is important for Puget Sound area residents to know that public mass transit offers them safe, reliable, and low-cost transportation choices,” said Lynne Griffith, CEO of Pierce Transit.  
 
While many new transit passengers are those who choose to leave their vehicles behind, others are being forced to find alternatives.
 
“Many people using transit these days simply cannot afford to drive their cars as much as they did in the past,” said Kevin Desmond, general manager of King County Metro Transit. “It’s not just commuters who want to save a few bucks. Some families are finding they need to leave their vehicles at home in order to pay the bills.”
 
“I dumped the pump”
To encourage participation in National Dump the Pump Day, Community Transit is flyering the 1,000-stall Ash Way Park & Ride in Lynnwood to encourage regular commuters to take the bus from home to the park & ride that day. On June 19, the agency will invite riders to cover a poster depiction of a gas pump with stickers saying “I dumped the pump” between 6 and 8 a.m.
 
Pierce Transit will be distributing “I dumped the pump” stickers to riders at select transit centers throughout their system between 6:30 and 8 a.m. that day.
 
In Olympia, Intercity Transit is hosting a series of events and transit fairs providing transit trip planning and rideshare information to interested commuters. Thousands of people are expected to sign a roving “I dumped the pump” community banner this month and commuters traveling through area transit centers, the Capitol Campus and park and ride lot on June 19 will get “I dumped the pump” buttons.
 
Additionally, community leaders in Thurston County are showing support for National Dump the Pump Day by either using a commute alternative on June 19 or speaking publicly about the value and importance of transit to our communities and our individual lives.
 
“If we didn’t have transit, we’d have to spend millions more every year to build and widen roads, and still it wouldn’t relieve traffic congestion,” said Ralph Osgood, Mayor of Tumwater.  When people choose to ride the bus, they’re not just saving their own money, they’re saving taxpayers’ money as well.”
 
The bus or train might not work best for everyone, and that is where RideshareOnline.com is great statewide resource. It provides an easy way to find others who are interested in sharing the commute in a carpool or vanpool. For example, Metro Transit has seen a 27 percent increase in people using vanpools and vanshares in the past year, and now has more than 1,000 commuter vans on the road. Community Transit has 352 vanpools on the road; Pierce Transit has 285 and InterCity Transit has 173.
 
Puget Sound Regional Transit Statistics
Public transportation in King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties covers:
·    6,589 square miles including…
·    66 cities and towns,
·    447 bus routes,
·    two transit agency ferry routes (Kitsap Transit),
·    83 miles of commuter rail (Sounder),
·    1.6 miles of light rail (17.2 miles by 2009).
 
Average weekday ridership in April 2008, by agency (and contacts):
·    Community Transit, 40,000 (Martin Munguia, 425 348-2348)
·    Everett Transit, 6,800 (Steffani Lillie, 425 257-8914)
·    Intercity Transit, 14,000 (Meg Kester, 360 705-5842)
·    Kitsap Transit, 15,000 (Laurie Talbert, 360 478-6225)
·    King County Metro Transit, 340,000 (Rochelle Ogershok, 206 296-6515)
·    Pierce Transit, 51,800 (Lars Erickson, 253 984-8218)
·    Sound Transit, 53,990 (Linda Robson, 206 398-5149)
 
Many of the region’s commuting options are outlined at: http://transit.metrokc.gov/tops/tri/tri-main.html.

For Release:  Immediate                                       
Date:  Friday, June 13, 2008  
 

Changes Expected for Pierce Transit Special Event Service  

LAKEWOOD, WA. – People who enjoy using Pierce Transit special service to go to community events and festivals should be aware that new Federal Transit Administration (FTA) rules could limit Pierce Transit’s ability to provide this service.
 
The rule changes do not affect regular Pierce Transit bus service.  The intent of the new Federal regulations is to open up special event service to private charter companies.  The new federal charter service rules went into effect April 30.  Since these rules are so new, the effect they have on each of the events Pierce Transit provides service for has not yet been defined.
 
We do know however, that participants who ride the bus from the TCC Transit Center to the Sound to Narrows event on Saturday, June 14, will be the first in the community to experience changes.  Federal regulations no longer allow an event sponsor (MultiCare sponsors the Sound to Narrows) to pay the bus fare for participants.  In past years, participants rode for free and MultiCare paid the fare.  This year, each participant will have to pay $1.50 one way or $3.00 for a round trip ticket.  All other normal discounts apply.  Last year Pierce Transit provided more than 4,200 rides to Sound to narrows participants.
 
If Pierce Transit service for an event falls under the new definition of charter service, the agency must first contact private charter firms registered with the FTA to see if any are interested in providing the service.  If any firms indicate they are interested, Pierce Transit is precluded from providing the service.  Private operators will be given the opportunity to negotiate with the event sponsor for the transportation service.  If no private company is willing and able to provide the transportation service, Pierce Transit may be able to continue its special service to the venue.
 
Pierce Transit has been working closely with the FTA and event organizers to understand and clarify the rule requirements.  More information about these rules and the impact on Pierce Transit service will be provided as it becomes available.   People should also check with event organizers for updated transportation information.

Pierce Transit Memorial Day Schedule

LAKEWOOD, WA – On Memorial Day, Monday, May 26th, Pierce Transit services will operate on a Sunday schedule.  Bus Plus will not operate.

Pierce Transit administrative offices and all Bus Shop facilities will be closed.
 
For additional information call Pierce Transit Customer Service at 253-581-8000, or visit the Pierce Transit web site.

For Release:  Immediate                                       
Date:  Tuesday, March 25, 2008          

Pierce Transit Announces PugetPass Partnership with Saar’s

LAKEWOOD, WA –Pierce Transit today announced an agreement for Pierce County Saar’s Marketplace stores to be PugetPass outlets.  
 
PugetPass is a regional transit pass, available in various pass types, accepted as valid fare payment on Pierce Transit, Sound Transit, King County Metro Transit, Community Transit, and Everett Transit service.  Saar’s Marketplace stores will carry monthly PugetPasses, which provide unlimited trips for the calendar month.
 
“I am very pleased Saar’s Marketplace stores will be providing a valuable service to our riders,” said Pierce Transit CEO, Lynne Griffith. “With the move of our Lakewood Bus Shop from the Lakewood Towne Center, Saar’s service will fill a needed demand.”
 
“As a member of the Pierce County community, we are happy to work closely with Pierce Transit to streamline our customers’ shopping experience,” said Greg Saar, President of Saar’s Inc.

For Release:  Immediate                                       
Date:  Wednesday, February 13, 2008          

Pierce Transit Presidents’ Day Schedule

LAKEWOOD, WA – On Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 18th, Pierce Transit local bus service and the SHUTTLE paratransit service will operate on a Saturday schedule.  Bus Plus will not operate.

Pierce Transit’s Olympia Express, routes 601 and 603A, will not be in operation.  People planning transit travel between Tacoma and Olympia on Monday may take Intercity Transit route 603.  
 
Pierce Transit administrative offices and all Bus Shop facilities will be closed.
 
For additional information call Pierce Transit Customer Service at 253-581-8000

2007 Press Releases:

For Immediate Use

December 12 , 2007

Pierce Transit Board Approves Annual Budget

LAKEWOOD, WA – The Pierce Transit Board of Commissioners last evening approved the annual budget for 2008. Priorities in the approved $196 Million budget include investments in public safety, congestion relief and service improvements for a growing ridership.  
“The message this budget sends our passengers is that Pierce Transit will be safer, more reliable and offer even more options to those who depend on transit service,” said Pierce County Executive and Board Chair John Ladenburg.  “The message the budget sends to the community is that Pierce Transit is willing to make smart investments that help attract and retain businesses, better manage growth and keep us competitive in this global economy.”
 
Highlights from the Pierce Transit 2008 annual budget:

• Hiring of 24 full-time Security Officers, replacing 13 contracted positions, for site and onboard security presence and emergency preparedness.
• Adding three Pierce County Sheriff Deputies to serve as Transit Police Officers.  The Transit Police Department will be fully staffed with four more officers in 2009, for a total of eight officers.
• Deploying wireless closed circuit television cameras on the buses allowing police to see and hear activity inside buses while they are in motion.
• Deploying the new CAD/AVL (Computer Aided Dispatch/Automatic Vehicle Locator) system, allowing the buses to be computer dispatched, paving the way for greatly improved radio coverage, interoperability with regional emergency responders, future system expansion, increased system efficiency and expediting response from agency safety and security personnel.
• Increasing service hours by 10%, to accommodate growing ridership, giving more options for commuters and reliability to current customers.
  

“This budget is about moving Pierce Transit forward,” said Pierce Transit CEO Lynne Griffith. “We are making strategic investments to improve our performance and the quality of life for our customers, operators and the citizens of Pierce County.”
 
Also at the board meeting, Mark Neary, a representative of the Government Finance Officers Association of The United States and Canada (GFOA), presented Pierce Transit with a Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting for the Pierce Transit 2006 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), it is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting.  Pierce Transit has been recognized 22 times by GFOA for demonstrating a “constructive spirit of full disclosure” in financial reporting.  Kathy Sullivant, Finance Director for Pierce Transit, received an individual Award of Financial Achievement from GFOA for preparing the award-winning CAFR.
 
Pierce Transit is the public transportation agency for Pierce County, Washington, providing the community with local and express bus routes, vanpools, rideshare services, and SHUTTLE transportation for people with disabilities. 

# # #

For Immediate Use

July 16, 2007

Pierce Transit bus service to Narrows Bridge ceremony sets single-day service record

TACOMA, WA. -  Pierce Transit bus service to the Narrows Bridge Opening Celebration set a single-day passenger record.  The special event bus service transported more than 28,000 people from three locations to the ceremony site.  With return trips, this amounts to more than 56,000 passenger trips, beating the previous record of 32,969 trips set during the 2005 Freedom Fair – Tall Ships event.

Special bus service was provided beginning at 10 a.m. from three locations; Tacoma Community College Transit Center, Narrows Airport, and Gig Harbor High School, utilizing 44 buses. 

In addition, the 5k Bridge Run/Walk transportation began at 5:30 a.m.  The event was so well attended that the Washington State Patrol halted incoming bus trips at 8:30 a.m. because the venue site was at its capacity.  As the Run/Walk participants left the area, inbound trips were allowed to resume at approximately 9:15 a.m.

Regular Pierce Transit Sunday bus service operated normally throughout the 417 square- mile service area.

# # #

For Immediate Use – July 5 , 2007    12:30 PM

Pierce Transit Freedom Fair Express provided 16,700 rides

The Freedom Fair Express bus service provided more than 16,700 rides to the Independence Day festival.  This is a 16 percent increase in ridership over 2006.  Riders boarded at either the Tacoma Dome Station or the Tacoma Community College Transit Center for a direct ride to the Old Town area.

Following the fireworks show, 55 transit buses were used to transport 4,680 people back to the park and ride locations.

Pierce Transit special event bus service is a convenient, cost effective way for people to attend large community events without dealing with the hassle of traffic congestion and parking.  Using public transportation on the Forth of July – and any other day – is also good for the environment.  All the transit buses in the Pierce Transit fleet operate on clean-burning Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).  CNG buses significantly reduce carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide emissions, and virtually eliminate particulate emissions, when compared to conventional diesel vehicles.  In addition, individuals who ride the bus help the region meet Environmental Protection Agency air quality standards by reducing emissions from their personal vehicles.  

# # #

For Immediate Use – May 8, 2007    8:10 PM

PIERCE TRANSIT IS HOME OF THE NUMBER ONE TRANSIT OPERATOR IN THE NATION!

Pierce Transit Bus Operator Brentt Mackie (Click on picture to download high-resolution version)

TACOMA, WA.  - Pierce Transit Bus Operator Brentt Mackie has been awarded the trophy for First Place in the nation in the 40-foot Transit Coach Division at the 2007 International Bus Roadeo that has just concluded in Nashville, Tennessee.

The Roadeo competition requires drivers maneuver their vehicles through an intricate maze of 13 graded exercises that includes serpentine turns, passenger stops, and reverse turns that duplicate the demanding requirements of everyday driving.   The final exercise is high-speed braking where operators maneuver through a row of ten 55-gallon barrels spaced only inches wider than the bus.
 
Mackie placed first at the WSDOT annual statewide transit Roadeo held on August 13, 2006 at King County Metro’s Safety Training Center in Tukwila.
 
The Pierce Transit Maintenance Team made up of Journey Level Mechanics Jose Guzman, Kim Huynh, and Scott Simonsen place 22 out of 46 teams.  As a rookie team, they made an impressive showing.
 
Overall, Pierce Transit place 9th in the nation!
 
The event is sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association and coincides with the annual convention being held this year in Nashville, Tennessee. The Bus Roadeo was developed to provide participants with positive, job-related motivation by emphasizing the important role played by bus drivers and mechanic in providing transit customers with safe and reliable transit service.
 
Pierce Transit is the public transportation agency for Pierce County, providing the community with local and express bus routes, vanpools, rideshare services, and SHUTTLE transportation for people with disabilities. Last year, the agency provided more than 14 million passenger trips.

For Immediate Use                                                             

April 21, 2007

Pierce Transit Public Safety Chief Receives Leadership Award

TACOMA, WA.  -  Pierce Transit Chief of Public Safety, Rod Baker (link to hi-res jpg), was presented with the 2006 Leadership Award at the April 19 regional Law Enforcement Appreciation banquet of the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS). Each year ASIS pays tribute to the law enforcement agencies and officers who protect and support the greater Puget Sound community.  The group also recognizes law enforcement agencies and their officers who have made special contributions throughout the year to keep businesses, communities, and citizens safe.            

Baker received the Leadership Award in recognition of his commitment to public safety and his leadership and demonstrated excellence in police administration and management.  Baker is responsible for managing the policing services at Pierce Transit facilities throughout the 414 square-mile service area in the Tacoma/Pierce County area.

“Maintaining a safe transit environment depends on the active involvement and collaboration of transit employees, law enforcement, passengers, neighborhood residents, and the public at large, stated Lynne Griffith, Chief Executive Officer for Pierce Transit. “I am delighted that Rod received this much-deserved recognition.”

On March 20, 2006, Rod Baker, Chief of Public Safety and Security for Pierce Transit became the first commissioned law enforcement officer for a public transportation agency in Washington State. In addition, he was also the first transit employee to graduate from the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Academy in 2006.  He is a member of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, hosted the Street Crimes Course for local law enforcement personnel, a National Transit Institute instructor, and has been selected to be a Transit Security Institute Instructor.  

His work with the Tacoma and Lakewood Police Department Gang Activities Task Force helped reduce youth incidents at transit facilities and in areas adjacent to major transit facilities, and a graffiti reduction program has reduced the agency’s costs to replace or repair transit property by over 400 percent since 2002.  

Rod has provided leadership both inside the agency and within the community.  He has established collaborative relationships with the Tacoma and Lakewood Police Departments and is in the process of formalizing a similar agreement with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department.  He formalized the agency’s emergency preparedness plan and has developed an excellent relationship with the Pierce County Department of Emergency Management.   

Baker helped to increase awareness among Pierce Transit employees for the need of personal and agency-wide emergency preparedness and training. In 2004, he began a series of National Transit Institute training initiatives and facilitated the completion of National Incident Management System training requirements.

Pierce Transit is the public transportation agency for Pierce County, providing the community with local and express bus routes, vanpools, rideshare services, and SHUTTLE transportation for people with disabilities. Last year, the agency provided more than 14 million passenger trips.

end

2006 Press Releases:

For Immediate Use - July 10, 2006

Pierce Transit solutions to high fuel costs – buses, vanpools, and carpools

All of us are affected in some way by the ever-increasing high price of gas.  After housing, transportation is the second highest cost for most American families, outpacing both food and health care costs.  Since January 2003, gas prices have increased by 100 percent.  Everyone has an opinion about what should be done, but no one has been able to provide relief.  You have options, and Pierce Transit can help.

Pierce Transit offers the quickest, easiest alternative to the high cost of gas. Pierce Transit has made it easy to find information about bus routes and schedules, vanpools, carpools, and Park & Ride lots on its web site at www.piercetransit.org.  Many people feel uncomfortable riding the bus because they don’t understand how it works. The web site offers first-time bus users, or people who are unfamiliar with public transportation in our area, some useful tools to better understand their available options.  With a click of the mouse you have 24-hour access to Trip Planner, which creates a free itinerary of your transit trip, bus schedules that include maps and major destinations for all local routes, and an e-store that allows you to buy local and express bus passes and tickets – which we’ll mail to your home free of charge.  With an adult monthly pass you can take unlimited rides on local service for just $54.  A youth pass is available for those under 18 for just $27 a month, or 75 cents in the farebox.  It doesn’t take too many fill ups to exceed the cost of a bus pass.  To see how much you’re spending on your commute, calculate your monthly driving expense by using the Commute Calculator in the web site’s Rideshare section.  Most people are surprised at how much they spend on their monthly commute.

We know from experience that when drivers try transit, many become regular users and want to use it more often.  Our riders tell us that the Pierce Transit system offers an easy, comfortable, and convenient way to get to work, school, activities, and many other destinations.

“With gasoline prices at record levels, many Americans are finding that mobility is becoming unaffordable,” said Rachel Grover, Employer Program Specialist for Pierce Transit, “Public transit is the quickest way to beat high gas prices. By using public transportation or other ride sharing options on a regular basis, a person can save between $300 and $3,000 in fuel costs per year.”

Pierce Transit realizes that riding the bus may not work for everyone or every situation.  Pierce Transit will help you or your company explore other transportations options that may work for you and save you money.  You can consider joining an existing vanpool, or starting or joining a carpool and using the system of Park & Ride lots located throughout Pierce County.  Your employer may be willing to help you save even more. Many local employers are providing pre-tax dollars for employees to use on public transportation. And there are tax incentives available for the company.  Currently over 100 employers in Pierce County offer these programs as part of their employee recruitment package, or a welcomed new benefit for current employees.  Participating employers include Regence Blueshield, MultiCare, Russell Investment Group, the Attorney General’s Office, UW Tacoma, Franciscan Medical Group & Health System, and The News Tribune, to mention a few.

To find out more about ways you or your company can reduce commute costs or to schedule a meeting with a Community Services representative call 253.581.8000 or visit www.piercetransit.org .

end

For Immediate Use
March 24, 2006

Lynne M. Griffith Named Chief Executive Officer for Pierce Transit

Pierce Transit CEO Lynne M. Griffith (Click on picture to download high-resolution version)

TACOMA, WA. - Pierce Transit in Lakewood, Washington, has named Lynne M. Griffith, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of C-TRAN (Clark County Public Transportation Benefit Area) of Vancouver, Washington, as its new Chief Executive Officer effective mid to late April.

At a special meeting held Friday, March 24, the Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution authorizing a compensation package with a salary of $138,000 a year plus benefits. At C-TRAN since 2000, Griffith was responsible for managing the 27 fixed route bus system, 385 employees, and an annual budget of $32 million. Griffith succeeds Don S. Monroe, who retired March 31 after serving as Pierce Transit's Chief Executive Officer for 25 years. Susan Lang, Vice President of Technology and Transit Development, was appointed Interim Chief Executive.

Griffith brings 35 years of demonstrated leadership in the transportation industry that includes 17 years of direct experience in public transportation management. Prior to serving as C-TRAN's Executive Director and CEO in Clark County, Washington, Griffith managed both urban and suburban public transit programs in the Atlanta region, including the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority's (MARTA) largest CNG fixed route and ADA Paratransit operations; Cobb Community Transit, a suburban bus system in an Atlanta neighboring community; and the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA) where she was responsible for developing a multimodal transit program for the 13-county Atlanta region. Griffith's transit experience includes the planning, development, and operation of rapid and commuter rail, local and express fixed route bus, paratransit, and vanpool and rideshare programs. Her planning experience includes the study of light rail, design of fixed route bus and paratransit services, and technology improvements associated with the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS). Griffith also provides leadership in the transit industry and currently serves as the Vice-Chair of the Washington State Transit Association, as an advisory board member for Washington's Office of Transit Mobility, and serves on the American Public Transit Association's CEO Bus and Paratransit Committee. In addition, Griffith is involved in community programs and has been active in Rotary, the YWCA, and other civic organizations.

"I'm impressed with Pierce Transit, its strategic vision, the progressive and innovative change occurring in Tacoma, and the transit growth opportunities in the Puget Sound area," stated Griffith, "I'm honored to join the organization."

Pierce Transit is the public transportation agency for Pierce County, providing the community with local and express bus routes, vanpools, rideshare services, and SHUTTLE transportation for people with disabilities. Pierce Transit provides service to 450 square miles of Pierce County with 52 bus routes, 950 employees, and an annual budget of $148 million. In addition, Pierce Transit contracts with Sound Transit to provide express bus service. Last year, Pierce Transit provided more than 15 million passenger trips. - END

For Immediate Use March 22, 2006

Pierce Transit becomes first state transit agency with commissioned law enforcement officer

TACOMA, WA.  - Pierce Transit in Lakewood, Washington becomes the first public transportation agency in the State of Washington to grant a general police commissioning to its public safety officer.  In a ceremony held at Pierce Transit’s Lakewood headquarters on Monday, March 20, Rod Baker, Transit Public Safety Manager, recited the Oath of Commissioning administered by Don Monroe, Chief Executive Officer of Pierce Transit.

Pierce Transit CEO Don S. Monroe congratulates Rod Baker, Transit Public Safety Manager, following the recital of the Oath of Commissioning.  Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna attended the event and delivered the keynote address on the vital role of transit policing. [Click on photo to download high-resolution version]

Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna, as well as senior law enforcement officials and representatives of area police departments, attended the event.  Attorney General Rob McKenna delivered the keynote address that highlighted the important role public transportation agencies have in the nation-wide war on terrorism. 

“Maintaining a safe transit environment depends on the active involvement and collaboration of transit employees, law enforcement, passengers, neighborhood residents, and the public at large, stated McKenna.  “As the ‘eyes and ears’ of our transit system, they all play a vital role in bolstering transit security by becoming more aware of the surroundings and reporting suspicious activities to the proper authorities.”

The primary responsibility of the Public Safety Division is the deterrence, detection, and apprehension of individuals that commit criminal acts within the transit system.  The full police commissioning of the transit public safety manager will improve interagency communications and cooperation and will provide Pierce Transit with the ability to interact with any of the 34 law enforcement jurisdictions within its 450 square mile service area.  This will allow Pierce Transit to obtain information surrounding criminal incidents and to conduct a higher level of background investigations and screenings consistent with state requirements for law enforcement personnel. 

The transit public safety manager provides direction and oversight to independently contracted law enforcement officers from the Tacoma and Lakewood police departments and the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department that provide daily law enforcement services.

“The law enforcement commissioning of the Pierce Transit Public Safety Manager will enhance the security services that Pierce Transit provides to our passengers and employees,” stated Don S. Monroe.  “We value the cooperation and support we receive from the law enforcement community.” 

Pierce Transit’s Public Safety Manager recently graduated from the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission’s Equivalency Academy and received a General Law Enforcement Commission.  At its February 13 meeting, the Pierce Transit Board of Commissioners approved the official police commissioning of the Transit Public Safety Division and the Transit Public Safety Manager, and in turn modified the Pierce Transit Administrative Code to reflect these changes.

Commissioning will also improve Pierce Transit’s ability to meet the requirements of the Department of Homeland Security/Transportation Security Administration and the Federal Transit Administration with regards to the security of public transit systems and to become a vital member of the anti-terrorism network for the sharing of information.

Other transit agencies around the country are taking a similar approach to improving their transit security.  Many already have transit police forces or contract for full-time services.  The Pierce Transit program is modeled after the Regional Transit District program in Denver, Colorado.

Pierce Transit is the public transportation agency for Pierce County, providing the community with local and express bus routes, vanpools, rideshare services, and SHUTTLE transportation for people with disabilities. Last year, the agency provided more than 15 million passenger trips.

end

2005 Press Releases:

From the WSDOT Public Transportation and Rail Division Monthly Report, October 2005

For Immediate Use October 4, 2005

Vanpool campaign and Pierce Transit win national award

The public awareness campaign, Freewheeling. Vanpooling is your trip, your way, was developed by WSDOT and the state's transit systems to increase vanpool ridership. Development of the campaign required extensive and detailed coordination. Pierce Transit, the lead agency in creating the look and feel of the campaign, recently received a national award from the Association for Commuter Transportation in the category of Outstanding Service (Partnerships).

end