Bus Rapid Transit

Update on BRT

Over the past several months the agency has thoughtfully reevaluated its approach to best meeting the needs of transit riders along the Pacific Avenue/State Route 7 corridor while also ensuring sound financial management, minimizing impacts to property owners and businesses, and delivering a much-needed enhanced transit service as soon as possible.

In August 2023, the Pierce Transit Board of Commissioners reviewed the agency’s plans for High Capacity Transit along the busy corridor and voted unanimously to move forward with Stream Community Line service.

This new service offers many benefits, including:

Service provision in addition to the existing Route 1, presenting another option on weekday mornings and afternoons for commuters looking to make a more direct trip
Will not require additional grant funding
Minimal impacts on property owners and businesses
Stops only at 14 major bus stops, saving 14+ minutes of travel time in each direction between Spanaway and Tacoma Dome Station
Uses existing bus stops and existing 40-foot buses
Includes Transit Signal Priority, which signals the traffic light to stay green longer so the bus can get through the intersection, contributing to a faster trip for both Stream service and regular Route 1 service
Provide a new and vital connection to Tacoma Dome Station, including timed connections with Sounder trains
Fare is the same as Pierce Transit local service (including free for ages 18 and under) and uses all existing ORCA, mobile and paper ticketing options

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is planning safety and connectivity-focused improvements involving SR-7, as well State Routes 507 and 512, which connect to this transit corridor. In addition, the City of Tacoma is conducting its Picture Pac Ave project, creating a long-term vision and plan for growth and development along Pacific Avenue. Once state and local governments have completed their plans and undertaken corridor improvements, Pierce Transit can reevaluate service levels and type of service that best fits within the overall vision for this critical Pierce County roadway. This coordinated approach will also ensure the work is complimentary and avoid duplicative construction-related disruptions, benefiting taxpayers and people living along, and traveling through, the corridor.