Pierce Transit Bus Schedules Change Sunday — Here’s What Tacoma Riders Should Know

If you ride Pierce Transit in Tacoma, it may be worth checking your schedule before heading out Sunday.

Pierce Transit is rolling out its latest round of service changes Sunday, Aug. 30, adjusting times on a number of routes to improve transfers, better match school schedules and line up some trips more closely with Sounder trains.

For Tacoma riders, one of the most noticeable changes is on Route 2, which runs along South 19th Street between downtown Tacoma and Lakewood. Weekday northbound trips are shifting by anywhere from 1 to 12 minutes, while southbound trips move by about a minute. Pierce Transit says the changes are intended in part to better match Foss High School’s afternoon schedule.

Route 11, which connects downtown Tacoma with the Point Defiance Ferry Terminal, is also changing. Pierce Transit is adding a 2 p.m. northbound weekday trip to serve Mason Middle School, while several other trips are being adjusted by 10 to 15 minutes.

Another route with fairly noticeable changes is Route 57, which runs between downtown Tacoma and Tacoma Mall Transit Center. Weekday southbound trips are moving by about 15 minutes, while northbound trips shift by as much as 19 minutes. Weekend schedules are changing as well. Pierce Transit says the adjustments should improve connections with Routes 52 and 53.

For commuters traveling between Tacoma and Puyallup, Route 400 is getting timing adjustments specifically to improve connections with Sounder trains. Weekday southbound trips are shifting by about six minutes, while northbound trips move by roughly one to seven minutes.

There are smaller changes elsewhere in the system too. Route 1 will see minor weekend timing adjustments, while Pierce Transit says some schedules are being coordinated more closely at high-transfer stops so riders have a better chance of making their connections.

The changes are part of Pierce Transit’s regular twice-yearly schedule update process, so they do not represent a major redesign of Tacoma’s bus network. But even a five- or 10-minute shift can matter if you depend on a particular bus to get to work, school or another connection.

Pierce Transit is also launching special Washington State Fair Express service beginning in September, with buses running every 30 minutes to the Fair’s Blue Gate from several transit locations. Regular bus fares will apply.

The bottom line for Tacoma riders: don’t assume your usual bus will arrive at exactly the same time next week. Check your route before Sunday, particularly if you ride Routes 2, 11, 57 or 400 or rely on a timed connection.

👉 See all Aug. 30 route changes and updated schedules directly from Pierce Transit here.