Operator shortages forcing Sound Transit service reductions

If you use Sound Transit buses to get around in Pierce County and south King County, you might run into some issues, as operator shortages will cause some service changes.

Starting Monday, the transit agency said it will introduce service reductions during the weekdays for some express routes operated by Pierce Transit.

“This operator shortage has resulted in canceled trips, irregular schedules and intermittent service delays,” according to a news release.

Below are the following changes:

• Route 566 will operate with reduced frequency. “Reverse peak” trips, which operated southbound in the morning rush hour and northbound in the afternoon rush hour, are temporarily suspended. There is also a reduction in the number of morning and evening rush-hour trips. Passengers should also consider using KCM Route 160 and ST Express 560.
• Route 577 will operate with reduced frequency during the morning and evening rush hours, operating every 10-15 minutes. Passengers should also consider using KCM Route 177, which also operates between Downtown Seattle and Federal Way Transit Center.
• Route 578 will have a minor adjustment in trip times.
• Route 580 will only operate between Puyallup Station and South Hill P&R. The Lakewood to South Hill P&R portion will be temporarily suspended. Pierce Transit Route 400 will replace some Route 580 trips between South Hill P&R, Red Lot and Puyallup Station. All Sounder trains will continue to have a timed connection at Puyallup Station with either a PT Route 400 or ST Express 580 bus serving Red Lot and South Hill P&R. Passengers should use either route for service between South Hill P&R, Red Lot and Puyallup Station.
• Route 590 will have a reduction in trips during the morning and evening rush-hour periods, operating every 10-15 minutes.
• Route 592 will have a reduction in trips and a change in trip times. Passengers should note that first and last trips have changed slightly.
• Route 594 will have adjustments in trip times on weekdays.

More information on these Sound Transit changes can be found at www.soundtransit.org/servicechange.

©2021 Cox Media Group