Buckley Connector

In response to the closure of the White River Bridge connecting Buckley and Enumclaw following a strike by a vehicle, Pierce Transit, Pierce County Department of Emergency Management and the City of Buckley are working together to provide a temporary Connector service to transport community members free of charge from several locations within the City of Buckley to the southern end of the Foothills Trail footbridge. King County Metro has extended their bus service to pick up passengers on the northern end of the footbridge. This Connector service will allow Buckley residents to more quickly and easily access the footbridge to reach work, appointments, school and resources in Enumclaw and beyond.

The Connector service will begin Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025.

Connector service will be provided Monday through Friday during peak commute times:

  • Morning 6 a.m. – 10 a.m.
  • Evening 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Pick-up locations are as follows:

  • River Ave. and Cemetery Road
  • Mount Rainier Creamery (out front on SR 410)
  • Buckley Shopping Center (Jefferson Ave. and SR 410)
  • Buckley Library (in front by bike racks and benches)
  • Grocery and Post Office (in parking lot)
  • New Buckley City Hall (933 Main St)
  • River Ave. and Cemetery Road

A map of the Connector stops can be found here. Stop locations may be altered in the future based on need.

Pierce Transit often responds to requests from partnering agencies to assist in emergency situations or when transportation for emergency responders is needed. For example, transportation was provided to and from SeaTac airport for the Urban Search and Rescue Team, Washington Task Force One following the August 2023 Maui wildfires, and free rides to Pierce County cooling or warming centers are provided to the public in extreme heat or cold. During the Hidden Lake Apartments fire in 2024, Pierce Transit provided a bus to park at the scene to temporarily shelter displaced residents while West Pierce Fire and Rescue personnel set up an evacuation shelter.

“The primary thing people know about Pierce Transit is that we provide transportation to help community members access education, jobs, medical appointments and a host of other important destinations,” said Pierce Transit CEO Mike Griffus. “What folks may not know is that Pierce Transit is also a strong community partner in assisting when there are emergencies, and when shelter or transportation is a critical component of the response. It is an honor to provide this service.”

“Transit is a true lifeline in situations like this,” said Ryan Mello, who serves as Pierce County Executive and board member to Pierce Transit. “Even short-term transportation disruptions can have long-term impacts to anyone who misses or delays things like doctor appointments or jobs. I am deeply grateful for the partnership between Pierce Transit, Pierce County and the City of Buckley to make this service possible.”

“The closure of the White River Bridge has created significant challenges for our community,” said Buckley Mayor Beau Burkett. “This temporary service will help ease the burden on our residents by improving access to jobs, schools, healthcare, and everyday necessities in both Enumclaw and Buckley. We encourage residents in both cities — as well as across Pierce and King counties — to continue visiting and supporting businesses on both sides of the river during this disruption. We are especially grateful to Executive Ryan Mello, Councilmember Dave Morrell, and their team’s quick action in making this service possible, as well as to our partners at Pierce Transit for their commitment to helping our community through this challenging time.”

The Connector service will be available until the Washington State Department of Transportation has completed emergency repairs to the White River Bridge and reopens it to vehicle traffic. These Connector vehicles are wheelchair accessible like all Pierce Transit buses and can accommodate all passengers.

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