Pierce Transit limits passengers per bus, allows essential workers to call for rides
Pierce Transit will begin limiting the number of passengers on each bus amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The agency also will begin providing rides to people working in jobs deemed “essential” by the state.
The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department announced Sunday that Pierce Transit will start limiting the number of passengers on each bus to 15. Once a bus has seated 15 riders, the driver will continue on the route until passengers get off the bus before picking up more riders.
“Pierce Transit has added a few buses to some routes to make sure no one misses their ride,” the blog post said.
Drivers have been given protective supplies like gloves, masks and hand sanitizer. Buses are cleaned several times throughout the day, the health department said.
Riders are asked to board the bus using the rear door and keep social distancing measures on the bus. Pierce Transit buses are free to ride during the pandemic.
The transportation agency announced Monday that workers deemed essential employees can call Pierce Transit and schedule a ride to work.
The spread of the coronavirus has caused a cut of more than 60 percent to Pierce Transit’s ridership rates, the agency said. With less people commuting, the agency has shifted to modified Sunday schedules throughout the week, and buses come less often.
“In an effort to assist transit-dependent, essential workers who can no longer take the bus to their jobs because of reduced service, the agency is offering a special service to help these individuals get to work and assist with this national emergency,” spokesperson Rebecca Japhet said in a statement.
Essential workers should call 253-581-8000 and select option 2 to speak to a representative to arrange a ride. Trips must be scheduled in advance and no later than 5 p.m. the day before the needed ride. The special service is available Monday through Friday.
When calling, riders need to explain why they are considered an essential worker, what bus route they usually take, what time they commute and a desired pickup and drop-off locations.
