Tideflats Runner

passengers exiting runner

The easiest way to get to the Tideflats and Fife.

The Tideflats Runner provides on-demand public transportation services in commuter-oriented employment zone. The unique patterns and congested street network in the Tideflats area prohibit a regular bus from traveling on many of the streets and roadways. With its smaller vehicles, the Tideflats Runner can get around easily, connecting employees to parking at the Tacoma Dome Station as well as recreation opportunities along Ruston Way. Riders may be grouped into a single vehicle if rides are going to a similar location, helping to reduce wait times.

What is Pierce Transit Runner?

The Ruston Runner provides on-demand point to point public transportation services in a recreation zone along Ruston Way in Tacoma. By using vans, the Ruston Runner can successfully travel on the many narrow streets between Point Ruston and downtown Tacoma where full-size buses cannot go. The Ruston Runner is a great way for patrons to get to work, dining, shopping, parking and to the 10th & Commerce Transit Station.

What is the zone?

The zone is the area served by Pierce Transit Runner. It encompasses Tacoma’s Ruston Way, some of the Town of Ruston, a section of Dock Street and part of the Tideflats. Check out the map for a complete view. You can board the Ruston Runner at 10th & Commerce Street Station Zone A, and at Tacoma Dome Station west of the bus platform’s Zone A. The zone is active 7 days per week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

tideflat runner map
runner vehicle

How Do I Get A Ride

  • Find travel options and plan your trip from the Transit App (coming soon)
  • Book trips using your smart phone by downloading the Goin App
  • If you don’t have a smart phone, you can call 253.581.8000 to schedule your trip.
  • Tideflat Runner operates 7 days per week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m

What Does It Cost To Ride & How Do I Pay?

Pierce Transit Runner has the same fare as riding a Pierce Transit bus:

  • $2.00 for an adult
  • $1.00 for those showing a Regional Reduced Fare Permit or paying with an ORCA LIFT card (beginning April 1, 2023)
  • FREE for Youth riders 18 and younger (must show Youth ORCA card or valid student ID).

Drivers are unable to accept cash on-board. To pay with cash, visit one of the many ORCA retail locations or ticket vending machines to convert your cash to ORCA E-Purse value. For more information on buying or using an ORCA card, visit myorca.com.

There are three ways to pay:

  1. Use Transit app with mobile fare of your choice (One Ride Ticket, All Day Pass or 30 Day Pass)
  2. Tap your valid ORCA card
  3. Show the driver your valid paper pass
  4. For youth riders only, show the driver your student ID

Learn more about Transit HERE

PT Runner service will not operate on the following holidays:

  • New Year’s Day
  • Memorial Day
  • July 4th
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day