Still Time to Log Your October Trips and Win!

Friday, November 7 is the last day to log the sustainable trips you took during October for chance to win up to $1,500. What counts? Carpool, vanpool, bus, train, light rail, foot ferry, bicycle, walking, rolling, skateboarding, or a combination of all modes.

Log your trips in the Ride Together Pierce Trip Calendar and you’ll automatically be to win some great prizes—including $1,500, $500, $250, and more. 

This campaign is brought to you by the Washington State Ridesharing Organization.

Find Your Commute Buddy Winners

Congratulations to everyone who participated in the 2025 Find Your Commute Buddy campaign this September! In total, 133 users updated their trip calendar profile, 97 of those were new user profiles. Check out the winners:

• Aimee B. @ Pacific Lutheran University
• Anna C. @ Pierce Transit
• Darryl C.
• Julia S. @ Pierce County
• Kelly K. @ Pierce College
• Nicole E. @ City of Puyallup
• Patsy T. @ Virginia Mason Franciscan Health
• Trudy S. @ Virginia Mason Franciscan Health

Commuting in the Dark

Daylight saving time ended on Sunday, November 2 and Ride Together Pierce urges Pierce County commuters to keep each other safe by following the rules of the road and being aware of other travelers. Give yourself a few extra minutes to get to your destination in the safest manner.

• Don't enjoy driving in the dark? Find a carpool buddy on the trip calendar!
• Riding transit in the winter? Sign up for rider alerts in case of snow detours.
• Want to continue walking or biking? Be visible and layer up for the activity level and weather.

Federal Employees Ride Free Pierce Transit During Federal Government Shutdown

Due to the federal government shutdown, transit agencies serving Kitsap, Pierce, and Mason counties are offering free service to federal employees.

In Pierce County, federal employees who present their ID can ride fare-free on all Pierce Transit services including bus, SHUTTLE paratransit, Runner, and Rideshare (vanpool). When the shutdown ends, the transit agencies plan to resume collecting fares from federal employees.

Madigan Gate Closure Transit Connector Service

As of Tuesday, October 28, the Joint Base Lewis/McChord – Madigan gate has closed in all directions for a construction project that will last through February 2026.

During this time, Pierce Transit’s Route 206 will not be serving Madigan Hospital; it will remain in Tillicum on Berkeley Avenue & Washington Street at the Route 206 bus stop. Customers heading to and from Madigan Hospital will be using a Pierce Transit “Madigan Connector” that will serve Madigan Hospital, with a temporary bus stop located at 15404 Union Avenue, around the corner from the Route 206 stop on Berkeley Avenue.

Sound Transit Special Event Service

Catch the Sounder train on these special event days:

• Monday, Nov 9: Seahawks vs. Arizona at Lumen Field
• Monday, Nov 30: Seahawks vs. Minnesota at Lumen Field
• Monday, Dec 14: Seahawks vs. Indianapolis at Lumen Field

SR 410 White River Bridge Reopened October 17

The reopened State Route 410 White River Bridge restores a vital link between Enumclaw and Buckley as well as King and Pierce counties. The bridge had been closed since mid-August, when an over-height vehicle struck and damaged several of the span’s beams. Emergency repairs to the structure, which carries about 22,000 vehicles per day, were completed two weeks ahead of schedule.

Parkland Prairie Temporary Closure Began

Parkland Prairie is now closed while Pierce County resurfaces the gravel trails and construct the new Parkland Community Trail. These improvements will enhance trail access, connectivity, and safety for park visitors. The park is expected to reopen in late 2026.

Bike Lanes Extended on E 64th Street in Tacoma

In October, the City of Tacoma celebrated the completion of Phase II of the E 64th Street project which extends Tacoma’s first separated bike lanes by an additional 0.6 miles, in addition to improved sidewalks and crossings. The project now goes from Pacific Avenue to Portland Avenue, providing a safe east/west corridor for walking, rolling, and cycling. A future third phase will connect to the Pipeline Trail.  

"Downtown On the Go" Rebranded

Downtown On the Go has officially become Tacoma On the Go! The new name reflects their dedication to making it easier and safer for everyone, in every corner of Tacoma, to get where they need to go, whether by foot, bike, bus, or other mobility options.

Sound Transit Express Bus Survey Open Through November 11

By the end of 2026, Link light rail will extend service to Federal Way. To maximize the benefits of this new service, Sound Transit (ST) is developing a plan to change some ST Express routes to improve regional mobility.

ST Express riders are invited to share their feedback on their bus service proposals, including a proposal for new Overnight ST Express Service.

2025 ORCA Customer Satisfaction Survey Open Through November 23

The ORCA regional transit pass system is conducting a survey of public transit riders. Your responses will be used to help understand how people obtain and use ORCA and inform priorities for improvement. Share your thoughts and enter to win a $100 Visa gift card.