South Sound News

Pierce Transit limits number of people on board buses

These days riding the bus can feel risky.

With fellow riders wearing masks and the possibility of contracting the coronavirus, just boarding a bus leaves some people nervous.

“Yeah, I am, actually,” said Brandon Milton as he waited to board a bus in Lakewood. “I mean I see they decontaminate it when they come in here but is still makes me nervous. Yeah, of course.”

Pierce Transit is working to ease fears while continuing to provide needed transportation for people who rely on the bus to get around. Only 15 passengers are allowed onboard each bus, and until some passengers leave, the bus won't pick up anyone else.

“And we’ve placed signed on seats throughout the buses to insure that people are only sitting in every other seat or so, or maybe farther apart than that,” said Pierce Transit communications manager Rebecca Japhet.

Because of the statewide shutdown brought on by the spread of COVID-19, Pierce Transit is trying to limit ridership to essential needs. That's cut way back on the number of people using the bus. On an average weekday about 28,000 people ride buses in Pierce County. That number has been slashed to about 8,500 a day, much closer to a typical Sunday.

No fares are being charged for the time being. And people with essential jobs can call Pierce Transit for a pickup if their route has been cut back.

“If our trips were cut so that you can’t get there, we will provide you with a ride,” said Japhet.

Some people riding buses say they feel safer because of the cutbacks in passengers and efforts to clean buses more often.

“I like it better because now I know I’m safer that way,” said Shawna Sambrano.

According to the Pierce Transit website: To arrange a ride, essential workers should call 253.581.8000, select option 2, and a Pierce Transit Customer Service Representative will work with them to arrange a ride.

More information can be found here.