First Time User Guides

Get step-by-step guides for trying a new travel mode in Pierce County

We’re sure you’ve heard how sustainable transportation can benefit your wallet and the environment, but did you know these impactful statistics?

• The American Public Transportation Association found that public transport is 10 times safer than single-occupancy vehicle travel.
• The average commuter can save around $10,000 a year by choosing public transportation over single-occupancy vehicle commute.
• The EPA estimates that about 30% of the U.S. greenhouse gas emissions are from transportation, with 81% of that from vehicles and only 8% from buses and trains — suggesting that a switch to public transport could drastically cut pollution.
• Almost half of the U.S. population live in high-pollution areas. Switching to sustainable travel modes could help everyone breathe cleaner air, contributing to healthier communities.
• People who use public transit are 27% less likely to suffer from high blood pressure and other conditions, thanks to the activity of walking or biking to and from transit stations.
• Walking and biking as a form of active commuting helps you reach the doctor-recommended 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity activity — leading to improved energy, mood, cardiovascular health and brain and body function.

Interested in reaping the benefits of sustainable transportation modes but don’t know how or where to start? We put together these first time user guides to help get you started walking, biking, vanpooling, carpooling, riding the bus, Sounder train, Link light rail and teleworking. 

Whether you choose one mode or take a hybrid approach and combine various sustainable travel modes, you benefit your wallet, time and the environment! Read on to discover how to get started using new travel modes.