Pierce County residents can ride Pierce Transit buses for free to cooling centers and shelters on today with no fare required on any route.
Pierce Transit announced the program Monday, July 13, citing "high temperatures" expected across the Puget Sound area. The National Weather Service forecast for Tacoma on Tuesday called for sunny skies with a high near 75 degrees, and no heat advisory was in effect for western Washington as of Tuesday morning. The agency did not specify what temperature threshold triggered the program.
Pierce Transit is partnering with Pierce County Human Services to remove transportation barriers for people seeking cooler shelter. Penny Grellier, a Pierce Transit spokesperson, authored the announcement.
How it works
Riders must tell their driver they are traveling to or from a cooling center or shelter. Free round trips are available all day and evening on both dates, from start of service Tuesday through close of service Wednesday.
The program covers three Pierce Transit services:
- Fixed-route buses — all routes, no pass needed
- Runner — the agency's on-demand service
- SHUTTLE paratransit — for registered SHUTTLE customers only
Where to go
Cooling centers and shelters are open in Tacoma, Lakewood, Puyallup, Parkland, and Gig Harbor, according to the Pierce Transit announcement. A full list of locations is posted by Pierce County Human Services at piercecountywa.gov/8220.
Contact and next steps
Residents can check Pierce Transit routes and schedules at piercetransit.org or call 253-581-8000. Pierce Transit said the program may be extended if hot weather continues but has not specified how or when that decision would be announced.
