PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. — Sound Transit and Pierce Transit are reducing service to some stops in the midst of an ongoing driver shortage, according to releases from the companies.
Sound Transit route changes and reductions impact eight bus routes operated by Pierce Transit, serving south King and Pierce counites. Pierce Transit is reducing service on six routes within Pierce County.
The changes will go into effect on Nov. 7 for Pierce Transit and Nov. 8 for Sound Transit.
Operator shortages have resulted in canceled trips, irregular schedules and service delays for both companies. The new schedules are intended to provide more reliable service based on the available staff, according to Sound Transit.
Current drivers are working overtime to accommodate current route schedules, and Pierce Transit reportedly has a "robust driver recruitment program" underway in hopes of addressing the shortages. However, hiring and training new drivers takes about 10 weeks, according to the company.
The changes for Sound Transit are as follows:
- Route 566 will operate with reduced frequency. "Reverse peak" trips which operate southbound in the morning rush hour and northbound in the afternoon rush hour are temporarily suspended. Passengers should consider using King County Metro Route 160 and Sound Transit Express 560.
- Route 577 will operate with reduced frequency during the morning and evening rush hour. Riders should consider using King County Metro Route 177.
- Route 578 will have minor adjustments in trip times.
- Route 580 will no longer operate to the Lakewood and South Hill Park and Ride stops.
- Route 590 will have reduced trips during morning and evening rush hour periods.
- Route 592 will have reduced trips and changes in trip times.
- Route 594 will have adjustments in trip times on weekdays.
Pierce Transit adjustments are as follows:
- Route 1 will run every 30 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays
- Route 2 will run every 30 minutes on weekdays
- Route 16 will run every 60 minutes on weekdays
- Route 11 will run every 60 minutes on weekdays except for specific morning and afternoon trips for students.
- Route 400 will have schedule adjustments.
- Route 500 will run every 60 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays.
Shuttle paratransit customers will not see reductions in service. Trips used by students to and from schools have also been retained, according to the company.