Do all Pierce Transit buses make automated stop announcements?

Yes. Listen for automated stop and route announcements while traveling on Pierce Transit and Sound Transit buses. Route and destination announcements required by the Americans with Disabilities Act are made by our automatic announcement system we call trax each time a bus door opens at a stop. In addition, upcoming stop names are announced on the buses to keep passengers informed about the next stop coming up on that route. Please report any problems with the timing of stop announcements, interior volume, or pronunciation issues by filling out a customer comment card (located at the front of the bus), sending or filling out our comment form online . When reporting issues with announcements, please be as specific as possible. Include the route, direction of travel, time of day, vehicle number and a complete description of the problem.

Does Pierce Transit enforce the smoking ban?

Yes. Smoking is prohibited on Pierce Transit vehicles or within 25 feet of any of its vehicles or facilities. If you smoke, be considerate of your fellow riders by moving away from the vehicle, shelter, or bus.

How can I submit my feedback about your services?

[fusion_builder_container type="flex" hundred_percent="no" equal_height_columns="no" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" background_position="center center" background_repeat="no-repeat" fade="no" background_parallax="none" parallax_speed="0.3" video_aspect_ratio="16:9" video_loop="yes" video_mute="yes" border_style="solid"][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" type="1_1" background_position="left top" border_style="solid" border_position="all" spacing="yes" background_repeat="no-repeat" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" center_content="no" last="no" hover_type="none"][fusion_text] Pierce Transit welcomes all feedback. Your individual views as customers help us to improve services for everyone. To submit your feedback you can mail us a comment/compliment card (found onboard vehicles and at Tacoma Dome Station Customer Service Center). You may also contact customer service at 253.581.8000 and speak with a representative. Or, you can complete the online customer feedback support form . Feedback relating to Pierce Transit services is passed on to the relevant department. For example comments about Transit Centers are sent to the Facilities Manager. Pierce Transit then considers your comments and implements recommendations where feasible and/or uses the information you have provided to resolve issues. Pierce Transit's Executive Team monitors all feedback, whether it relates to services we provide, our facilities or our employees and works to ensure that safety, reliability and courtesy standards are maintained. We are also very happy to receive positive comments about our services and employees. [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

Does Pierce Transit connect with ferries that cross Puget Sound?

There are two ferry runs Pierce Transit connects with — Point Defiance-Vashon Island (routes 11 & 10) and Steilacoom-Anderson & Ketron Islands (route 212). The 212 also connects with the McNeil Island Prison boat which is for use only by employees and pre-approved visitors to the Special Commitment Center.

Do you use smaller buses on routes with low ridership?

While we would like to have a seat for every passenger, standees are permitted on transit systems. Bus assignments can be complicated, as they require planning for multiple routes, schedules and travel destinations. Bus assignment decisions are based on ridership as well as available budget, staff, equipment, and overall system impacts. Pierce Transit must prioritize resources to meet the areas of highest demand. (For example, although a route may have one or two crowded peak trips—another route may have more continuous demand throughout the morning.) Please know that adjustments are made to routes and bus assignments whenever possible, however, solutions may not be immediate due to the need for assessments and/or other constraints such as the schedule for service changes (which only occurs three times a year).

Can Pierce Transit assign a bigger bus on my route so I can always have a seat?

We have a number of smaller buses for use where practicable. However, in our system, buses circulate among routes; after finishing a low-ridership route, a bus may immediately go on to serve one of our more popular routes. As far as expense is concerned, the cost of the fuel saved by using smaller vehicles is offset by our more rugged and reliable (and, therefore, less expensive to maintain) larger vehicles.

I see some bus shelters that had glass in them are now boarded up instead. How come?

Sadly, shelters in certain areas have been the target of repeated vandalism -- and with the cost of repairs to those shelters approaching $12,000 a month, Pierce Transit decided it could no longer afford to replace the glass.

Why do I see so many empty buses on the road?

An empty or almost-empty bus may indicate a route with low ridership; often, however, you're seeing the bus at either the beginning or the end of its run (that is, before gathering most of its passengers, or after dropping most of them off). And even our most popular routes tend to see lower ridership before and after the peak commuting hours in the morning and evening.

FAQs Archive - Page 2 of 18

Do all Pierce Transit buses make automated stop announcements?
Yes. Listen for automated stop and route announcements while traveling on Pierce Transit and Sound Transit buses. Route and destination [ Read More ]
Does Pierce Transit enforce the smoking ban?
Yes. Smoking is prohibited on Pierce Transit vehicles or within 25 feet of any of its vehicles or facilities. If [ Read More ]
How can I submit my feedback about your services?
Pierce Transit welcomes all feedback. Your individual views as customers help us to improve services for everyone. To submit your [ Read More ]
Does Pierce Transit connect with ferries that cross Puget Sound?
There are two ferry runs Pierce Transit connects with — Point Defiance-Vashon Island (routes 11 & 10) and Steilacoom-Anderson & [ Read More ]
Do you use smaller buses on routes with low ridership?
While we would like to have a seat for every passenger, standees are permitted on transit systems. Bus assignments can [ Read More ]
Can Pierce Transit assign a bigger bus on my route so I can always have a seat?
We have a number of smaller buses for use where practicable. However, in our system, buses circulate among routes; after [ Read More ]
I see some bus shelters that had glass in them are now boarded up instead. How come?
Sadly, shelters in certain areas have been the target of repeated vandalism -- and with the cost of repairs to [ Read More ]
Why do I see so many empty buses on the road?
An empty or almost-empty bus may indicate a route with low ridership; often, however, you're seeing the bus at either [ Read More ]

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