Pierce Transit Transitions to New Runner App

Dec. 28, 2023

On Jan. 2, 2024, Pierce Transit will transition to a new on-demand Runner app for use with its Spanaway/Parkland/Midland, Ruston, and Tideflats zones. The Puyallup Runner zone already uses this new app. Trips can be requested on the new, dedicated app called Pierce Transit Runner or by calling a phone number. Runner is an affordable, on-demand, curb-to-curb, neighborhood transit service, powered by Via, that transports customers in locations that aren't easily accessible by bus. Pierce Transit currently provides Runner service in specific zones in Spanaway/Parkland/Midland, Ruston, Tideflats, Puyallup and Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Pierce Transit recognizes the need to provide everyday transportation in areas that lack extensive bus service, or that don’t have the density of riders to fill a large bus. Runner addresses the unique challenges in these areas, increasing access to critical locations in underserved areas; providing loading and unloading of passengers in safe locations where few accessible bus stops are available; and decreasing traffic and parking congestion during busiest commute times. Runner is a convenient, reliable, safe way to get to work, school, appointments, recreation, and other activities, and it provides quick and seamless connections with existing bus and train service. In many cases riders going the same direction at the same time will share a ride, reducing traffic congestion and vehicle emissions.

New and current Runner riders will need to download the new Pierce Transit Runner app on their mobile device at the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The new Runner app includes the following features:

Easy-to-use interface
Connects to bus and train options, when available
Quick sign-up and trip booking
Simple curb-to-curb service within the zone, just choose your pick-up and drop-off locations
Access to major local hubs outside the zone for the Spanaway Runner service
Accurate wait times, real-time vehicle locations
Better communication between drivers, dispatch, riders
ADA compliant features, with the ability to select a ride that accommodates a mobility device
With the exception of the JBLM Runner, service operates from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.
Ride rating/feedback

About Pierce Transit Runner

Pierce Transit Runner is open to everyone and offers ADA accessible trips. Runner vans can accommodate wheelchairs, mobility devices, and service animals. Vehicles can also accommodate strollers or bikes.

Rides can be booked by using the Pierce Transit Runner smartphone app or calling in. Riders will select a pick-up and destination location within the zone. Anyone who does not have a smartphone may call 253.581.8000 and press Option 4 to book a trip.

Runner has the same fare as riding a Pierce Transit bus and is free for youth age 18 and younger. Riders can pay using One Ride Tickets, All Day Passes or 30 Day Passes purchased through their smartphone using the Transit app. Riders can also present a valid ORCA card to ride.

More information on the Runner can be found at PierceTransit.org/Runner.

Back To News

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