FAQs • Pierce Trips, WA • CivicEngage

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About Us FAQ

We are a one-stop destination for transportation options in Pierce County. We are a team of walkers, bikers, riders, and locals who have carefully constructed this hub to help our community discover new ways to travel all of your trips, link to services to help with your transportation decisions, and find information about providing a commute options program at your place of work. All in all, we do this work because we know it will lead to having a stronger, greener and more connected community.

If you’re interested in learning more about how we help residents with their transportation options, this is the place for you.

If you’re a business looking for more information on starting a transportation program, this is the place for you.

2. Who sponsors Ride Together Pierce?: Ride Together Pierce is a cooperative program sponsored by Pierce Transit, Pierce County and the City of Tacoma. Development of the site and calendar was paid through a federal grant.

3. Is my employer affected under the Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) Act?: Employers are required to maintain a CTR program if they have 100 or more full-time workers who commute between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. to a single worksite at least two weekdays for at least 12 continuous months. If your employer meets these criteria, please contact us.

4. How can my employer become a partnering employer?: Any employer in Pierce County interested in promoting commute options to their employees can partner. If you would like more information on this program or want to become a Ride Together Pierce partner, please contact us.

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Access Nearby Attractions FAQs

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1. Are there any parks or museums that are not accessible by public transportation?: While most attractions are accessible by public transportation, some may require additional walking or biking. Check with the attraction's website or contact them directly for more information. Most are able to accommodate a commuter’s needs and even help with trip planning.

2. Can I bring my bike on public transportation?: Yes, all transit agencies in Pierce County allow bikes on their bike racks located at the front of the bus. However, they may allow you to bring your bike on the bus if the racks are full. To be sure, check with the transportation provider/transit agency for their policy.

3. How do I plan for accessibility needs when visiting parks or museums?

Most attractions have information on their website regarding accessibility options and accommodations. You can also contact them directly to discuss your specific needs.

4. Are there any discounts or special fares available to save money using public transit?

Yes! The following programs are available to help make public transit affordable and accessible to all:

Regional Reduced Fare Permits are available to those who qualify, seniors and people with disabilities
ORCA LIFT cards are available to qualifying low-income adults
Youth under 18 ride free! Ages 6-18 will need a free card that can be requested through the ORCA website

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Best Commuter Businesses FAQs

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1. Are there costs associated with participating in the BCB program?: No, Ride Together Pierce wishes to partner with employers to help them be leaders in these efforts.

2. What is the timeline for the BCB evaluation and awards?

From January through December, Ride Together Pierce will gather information reported by Pierce County employers regarding their commute programs. Toward the end of the year, Ride Together Pierce will evaluate and score each employer based on three categories and present a leadership certification to the top performing employers for the following year.

The Best Commuter Employers will be announced the following February. The selected employers will be certified for the full calendar year.

3. How are points distributed?

In January of each year, Ride Together Pierce will evaluate and score each participating business based on three categories and recognize the top performing employers as the Best Commuter Businesses for the following year. Toward the end of the year, Ride Together Pierce will evaluate and score each employer based on three categories including Engagement, Performance and Programming and present a leadership certification to the top performing employers for the following year.

Click here to review the point distribution sheet and compare the items listed against programs your employer offers.

4. What are some ways to earn more points?

For management to consider:

Offer incentives for not driving to work. Examples include:
Preferred, free vanpool/carpool parking spots.
Discounted ORCA transit passes or subsidies.
Earned days off for staff who do not drive alone.
Secure, covered bike parking for staff.
On-site bike tune-ups and fix-it stations.
Parking rates, instead of a flat monthly rate.

Offer teleworking/compressed work weeks and flex schedules.
Fleet vehicles or bicycles for off-site meetings or errands.
Recognize top sustainable commuters.

For Employee Transportation Coordinators (ETCs) to consider:

Feel comfortable utilizing the Ride Together Pierce website and calendar to find resources and run reports.
Encourage staff to form carpools and vanpools by running zip code reports and reaching out to individuals.
Host Ride Together Pierce and/or inter-office campaigns to encourage sustainable modes of transportation.
Invite Ride Together Pierce to your Benefits Fair/Transportation Fair/staff meetings.

Promote existing benefits and facilities.
Provide employee recognition.
Maintain a Commuter Information Center and post fresh marketing materials.
Attend a network, or training session related to commute trip reduction.
Distribute and collect baseline/measurement Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) Program Employee Questionnaires (surveys) to achieve at least a 70% response rate.

If you would like assistance achieving certification, get in touch with Ride Together Pierce to brainstorm, create an action plan, or get trained!

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Bicycle Maps & Routes FAQs

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1. Are there biking trails that don’t have car traffic?: Yes! There are many biking trails dedicated to non-motorized traffic throughout the region. Check out the Pierce County Bike Map and the King County Regional Trails Map to find routes that are separate from car traffic.

2. How can I increase my safety while riding my bike?

When you’re out on the road, remember to follow traffic laws for bicyclists to keep yourself and others safe. You’ll need to know rules like who has the right-of-way and how to use arm signals. Check out the Washington State government list of Bicyclist Laws & Safety tips to get started.

Also, consider wearing protective equipment such as a good bicycle helmet and light-colored or reflective clothing to stay safe. Check out these 8 Smart Bike Safety Tips.

3. How can I safely store my bike during the day?

You can take advantage of public bike racks to lock your bike up during the day. You may also want to check with your employer to see if they have any bike storage in their garage or parking lot available to you during the workday.

Bike lockers are also available through Pierce Transit to help you safely store your bike if you need to store it while catching a bus. With a $50 deposit plus a monthly rental fee of $10, you can have access to bike lockers for storage. For more information, call customer service at 253-581-8000.

Sound Transit offers BikeLink on-demand lockers at Sound Transit stations and Transit Centers that are accessible 24 hours a day. They also offer leased bicycle lockers and cages for secure storage. Take a look at the Sound Transit bike parking and storage page here for more details.

Secure Parking Areas (SPAs) are also available in three locations: Tacoma Dome Station, Pacific Plaza Parking Garage and Park Plaza Parking Garage. For a quarterly fee of $8 or an annual fee of $25, you can have access to secure bike parking areas when you need to leave your bike behind. Visit the Pierce Transit website for additional information, or call customer service at 253-581-8000.

4. What’s it like biking in Pierce County?

Did you know Washington State was named one of the nation’s most bicycle friendly states for over a decade!? Pierce County jurisdictions have made significant investments in bike infrastructure, including dedicated bike lanes and trails, to improve the safety of biking.

Still, you want to always wear a helmet, reflective gear and follow traffic laws to increase safety.

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Bicycle Parking FAQs

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1. Are there any helpful apps for route planning?: Yes! Google Maps, Komoot and Strava are awesome applications to help you plan your bike ride. You can enter in your starting address and destination, select that you’re riding your bike and they give you the best biker-friendly route to travel (sometimes with multiple options!)

2. What does a typical day look like for a bike commuter/rider?: The great thing about commuting to work on your bike is that you can choose what your day looks like! You can bike to work and then take the bus back. Or do the reverse so you don’t have to take a shower once you arrive at work. Some people bring their bike along with them so they can bike instead of walking between bus or train stops. And other people love to bike to and from work, adding extra loops and detours to get a good workout in before and after work! Build the ride that’s best for you with your bike!

3. How can I take my bike on the bus?: All Pierce Transit and Sound Transit buses have racks on the front of their buses so you can take your bike along when you ride. Pierce Trips has space for two bikes per bus and Sound Transit has space for three. Check out more information about taking your bike on the bus here.

4. What’s the best way to securely lock my bike?

First, research different types of bike locks to find the best one for your needs. Then, make sure you use it properly and securely lock your bike in designated racks or bike parking areas. Using a U-lock to secure the back wheel and frame with an additional cable through the front wheel can help prevent theft.

Find more information about bicycle parking here.

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Bicycle Resources FAQs

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1. Do I need a special bike to commute?

You can choose ANY bike, as long as it fits your commuting needs. Here are some things to consider so you pick the best bike for your needs:

Riding surface - Is your ride mostly flat or are there hills? Will the surface be smooth or will it include rough roads or off-road terrain?
Distance and speed - How far will you go and how fast do you need to get there?
Bike weight - Will you have to pick up your bike to load it onto a bike rack or take it upstairs?
Weather - Will you be exposed to extreme weather?

This article from REI on How to Choose a Bike can help you identify a good bike fit based on your needs. If you want additional help picking out a bike that suits your budget and specific commuting needs, head over to a local bike shop and talk it out with a cycling expert.

2. How do I know which routes are bike-friendly?

Check out these county trail maps which identify bike-friendly routes and feature legends to help you identify the terrain type, bike lanes, non-motor vehicle traffic trails, and more:

You can also use Google Maps or Komoot to plan your bike-friendly route. Just enter your starting point and destination, choose that you’re riding a bike, and get started!

3. What safety equipment do I need to wear when biking?

Wearing a helmet while you ride your bike can prevent injuries and lower the probability of head damage in accidents. Wearing a helmet is also required in most cities in Pierce County. You can check out WSDOT's web page for information on which jurisdictions require helmets.

Check out these additional tips for what to wear while biking to keep you safe:

Dress for the weather: Dress in layers or bring layers with you so you can adjust your needs based on the temperature. Bring a waterproof poncho if there’s any threat of rain.
Wear bright clothing: You’ll be more visible to other bicyclists and motorists on the road by dressing in bright, reflective clothing that can be spotted from far away.

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Bicycle Safety FAQs

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1. Is biking safe in Pierce County?: Did you know Washington state was named one of the nation’s most bicycle friendly states seven years in a row? Pierce County has made significant investments in bike infrastructure, including dedicated bike lanes and trails, to improve the safety of biking. Still, to be safe and follow traffic laws, be sure to wear a helmet and follow traffic laws to stay safe.

2. How can I safely store my bike during the day?

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Bike Page FAQs

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1. Is biking safe in Pierce County?: Did you know Washington State was named one of the nation’s most bicycle friendly states seven years in a row? Pierce County jurisdictions have made significant investments in bike infrastructure, including dedicated bike lanes and trails, to improve the safety of biking. Still, you want to always wear a helmet, reflective gear and follow traffic laws to increase safety.

2. What if I don't own a bike?: If you don't own a bike but are eager to start biking, there are various options to find an affordable bicycle! Consider checking sporting goods stores, second hand stores, school-based programs, bike shop earn-a-bike programs, Pierce Co Bikes For Kids initiative, and online platforms like OfferUp or Facebook Marketplace for potential bike purchases. These avenues can provide budget-friendly opportunities to get your hands on a bike and begin your cycling journey.

3. What are the health benefits of biking?

Biking is a great form of exercise and can provide many health benefits. Here are some of the ways that biking can benefit your health:

Improved cardiovascular health
Increased muscle strength and endurance
Reduced risk of chronic diseases
Improved mental health
Weight management

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Bikes on Buses FAQs

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1. Is it safe to use public transit or ride a bike?

Yes, it is safe to use public transit or ride a bike. Many cities have implemented safety measures to protect commuters, such as bike lanes and improved public transit systems. It's always a good idea to wear a helmet when biking and to follow traffic laws. And when taking public transit, be sure to follow any posted safety guidelines and wear a mask if required. Overall, using sustainable transportation options is not only safe, but it's also a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and improve your health.

Can I securely lock up my bike at transit centers?

2. How can I take my bike on the bus?: All Pierce Transit and Sound Transit buses have racks on the front of their buses so you can take your bike along when you ride. Pierce Transit has space for two bikes per bus and Sound Transit has space for three. Check out more information about taking your bike on the bus here.

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Bus Main Page FAQs

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1. Is the bus safe to ride?

Buses are actually one of the safest modes of transportation out there! According to studies, the fatality rate for car occupants is 23 times higher than that for bus occupants.That means that riding the bus is much safer than driving your own car.

When it comes to sharing the bus ride with others, should you ever feel unsafe you can call or text (if available) the transit agency's number and/or report to the driver. Though drivers are not there to intervene, they can call transit security.

Speaking of bus drivers — did you know transit operators have great driving records and are well-trained? Some are even awarded for driving a million miles with any preventable accidents through the Million Mile Award! So don't worry — you're in good hands on the bus!

Here are some great resources on safety and security while riding Pierce Transit and Sound Transit buses.

Pierce Transit Bus Safety

Sound Transit Safety

2. How do I know which bus to take?: Pierce Transit has many resources to help you plan your trip and figure out which bus to take. You can use the online trip planner tool on the Pierce Transit website, download the Pierce Transit app on your smartphone, or call the Pierce Transit information line for assistance.

3. Are buses wheelchair accessible?: Yes, all buses are wheelchair accessible. They have either a lift or ramp to allow for easy boarding and exiting of the bus. All buses also have designated areas for passengers in wheelchairs to secure themselves during the ride.

4. How do I pay for my bus fare?

And for youth 18 years and younger — it’s completely free!

No matter how you pay, be ready to present your ticket or payment to the bus driver when you’re boarding to keep the line moving.

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Bus Passes & Trip Planning

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1. Are there any resources for people who don’t speak English as a first language?

Yes! You can download a guide in multiple languages prepared by Pierce Transit. This guide will help you plan for, pay and ride your next bus.

2. How do I know which bus to take?

Pierce Transit has many resources to help you plan your trip and figure out which bus to take. You can use the online trip planner tool on the Pierce Transit website, download the Pierce Transit app on your smartphone, or call the Pierce Transit information line for assistance at 253.581.8000.

Here are Pierce Transit’s bus routes and schedules.

3. My home is far away from a bus stop, what do I do?: You can bike or drive to a Park-and-Ride lot! Find out where your nearest Park-and-Ride lot is and learn about bike locker rentals.

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Bus Resources FAQs

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1. How do I pay for my bus fare?

You can pay your fare in cash to the bus driver, use your preloaded ORCA Card (One Regional Card for All) to pay, or buy a ticket ahead of time with the Transit app. If you’re going to pay in cash, be sure to have the exact fare in hand — the bus driver does not carry change. No matter how you pay, be ready to present your ticket or payment to the bus driver when you’re boarding to keep the line moving.

2. Is the bus accessible for people with disabilities in Pierce County?

Yes. Pierce Transit and Sound Transit buses are accessible for mobility devices, have trained operators ready to assist passengers and allow service animals to board. Additionally there are ramps available for boarding and deboarding, auditory and visual announcements for upcoming stops, and other features available to make bus riding accessible for people with disabilities. You can check out more information on the accessibilities section of the Pierce Transit website and Sound Transit website.

Additionally, Pierce Transit and Sound Transit offer paratransit services that mirror availability and service area to that of the bus routes, 1 Line and T Line. These services help folks with disabilities access public transit services. If you are a person with a disability, travel within the same service area as the bus routes or Tacoma Link, and are unable to ride because of conditions in the physical environment or of disability that limit accessibility, check out more information about the paratransit complementary services. You can also call for more information, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., at 1-800-201-4900, TTY Relay 711.

3. Are there any safety tips I should be aware of when riding the bus?

The Pierce Transit system takes safety very seriously. They have implemented various measures to ensure the safety and security of their passengers, such as installing surveillance cameras on buses and at transit centers, hiring trained security personnel from five different law enforcement agencies, and providing safety training to their drivers.

Additionally, there are steps that you can take to increase your personal safety, the safety of others and the safety of your belongings:

Always be aware of your surroundings
Keep ahold of your personal items and don’t leave them in the aisle
Passengers with wheelchairs will be secured with safety straps by the bus driver
If you are loading a bike, approach the rack from the curb (not the street side) and wave to the driver to confirm that they see you before you begin loading your bike

Should any safety concerns or issues arise, please report them to your bus driver.

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Bus Riding Benefits

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1. Are there any resources for people who don’t speak English as a first language?

Yes! You can download a first time bus riding guide in multiple languages prepared by Pierce Transit. This guide will help you plan for, pay and ride your next bus.

2. Is riding the bus safe?

Additionally, riding the bus can be safer than driving, as bus drivers are trained professionals and are less likely to be involved in accidents compared to individual drivers. However, it's always important to practice safe behavior and be aware of your surroundings when riding the bus or any form of transportation.

3. Is it cheaper to drive or take a bus?

Riding the bus unlocks a ton of cost-saving opportunities! When you don't have to pay to run and maintain a car, you can save money on:

Fuel expenses
Parking fees
Vehicle maintenance and repairs
Insurance premiums
Vehicle registration and licensing fees
Depreciation and vehicle value loss
Toll fees and road taxes
Vehicle cleaning and detailing
Emergency roadside assistance subscriptions
Traffic violation fines and citations

Embrace the financial freedom that comes with bus riding and enjoy the extra money in your pocket for other important priorities!

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Business Benefits FAQs

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1. What are qualified transportation benefits?: Qualified transportation benefits in Pierce County refer to a variety of transportation-related benefits that are provided to employees, such as subsidies for public transit, parking, and vanpooling, as well as tax-free reimbursement for qualified expenses.

2. Are transportation benefits taxable?

No, qualified transportation benefits are not taxable in Pierce County, Washington State. Employers can provide these benefits to their employees without it being included in their taxable income. Learn more about pre-tax benefits and other tax savings here.

3. Can you reimburse employees for commuting expenses?: Yes, employers can reimburse employees for qualified commuting expenses in Pierce County, Washington State, such as public transit fares, vanpooling costs, and bicycle commuting expenses. These reimbursements are tax-free and can be a great way to incentivize employees to use alternative transportation options.

4. Can you offer commuter benefits to part-time employees?: Yes, full-time employees are not the only ones who can receive commuter benefits. An employer can offer these benefits to all eligible employees, regardless of their employment status.

5. What does “commuter benefits” mean?

Great question — commuter benefits refer to a range of transportation-related benefits that are designed to encourage employees to use alternative transportation options to commute to work. These benefits can include transit passes, vanpooling, and bicycle commuting, as well as tax-free reimbursement for qualified commuting expenses.

6. How can a business benefit from a transportation program?

By promoting sustainable commuting options and reducing traffic congestion through initiatives like a Transportation Program, businesses can experience several advantages:

Cost reduction: Less congestion on roads means improved traffic flow, leading to reduced delivery times and lower transportation costs. With smoother transportation routes, businesses can optimize their supply chain, resulting in more efficient and cost-effective product manufacturing and distribution.

Improved productivity: Reduced congestion means faster and more reliable transportation, enabling businesses to streamline their operations. Timely delivery of materials and components enhances productivity and minimizes delays in production schedules. This increased efficiency can have a positive impact on overall manufacturing processes.

Tax benefits: Many governments offer tax incentives and benefits to businesses that actively promote sustainable commuting options. By encouraging employees to carpool, vanpool, or use public transit, businesses can potentially qualify for tax credits, deductions, or exemptions, further reducing their operating costs.

Environmental sustainability: By reducing traffic congestion, businesses contribute to a greener and more sustainable environment. Sustainable transportation options help decrease carbon emissions, improve air quality, and mitigate the environmental impact associated with excessive car traffic.

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Business Resources

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1. How does Ride Together Pierce help my business design and start a transportation program?

Our team takes a tailored approach when designing your transportation program. Here’s what the process looks like:

Survey and engage with your employees to understand their transportation wants and needs.
Identify the level of resources your organization can make available for a commute program.
Consider the existing nearby resources you can take advantage of.
Select a package of commute program elements aligned with business needs and designed to encourage employees to use sustainable transportation options.
With your appointed Employee Transportation Coordinator (ETC), we will launch your commute program.
After feedback from you and your employees, we will refine the program.
We will continue to work with you and your ETC post-launch to maintain the program and ensure its success.

2. What questions should we ask our employees when designing a transportation program?

Understanding what challenges your employees face in regards to transportation will help you set up a program that’s meaningful and effective for them. Here are some general questions to consider:

What transportation options do you currently use to get to work?
What transportation options support would you like to have available to you?
Are there specific transportation challenges you face that make it difficult to get to work?
Would you be willing to participate in a carpool or vanpool program?
What factors, such as incentives or flexible schedules, would make you more likely to use alternative transportation options?
How important is having access to alternative transportation options support to you in considering an employer?
Are you willing to pay a portion of the cost for transportation options, such as transit passes?

3. How much does it cost to start a transportation program?: When you partner with Ride Together Pierce the cost for supportive services is $0. We can help with as much or as little involvement as you would like from helping design your program to helping you launch and manage it. The cost of the transportation program itself will depend on the plan you choose.

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Businesses Page FAQs

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1. What is a transportation program?

An employer transportation program, or commute options program, is designed to encourage employees to use alternative modes of transportation to reduce the number of single-occupancy vehicles on the road.

Regardless of your company's size, commute options programs can work for you. You have the flexibility to choose the program elements that align with your business needs and concerns. All program elements support our region's goal of promoting a healthy environment, a strong economy, and reducing pollution, traffic congestion, and fuel consumption.

2. How much does the program cost?

All of the services we provide you and your employees are free. This means we can help you build, launch, and manage your transportation program at no cost to you. However, the program benefits implemented by the business are not free. We can also help you choose a program that aligns with your goals and budget. For instance, some program elements are free, low-cost or less than providing parking.

Contact the RTP team to get your program started!

3. How can I measure the success of an alternative transportation program?

We love this question. You can measure the success of your program by:

Tracking participation rates
Reducing single-occupancy vehicle trips
Monitoring transportation-related costs
Surveying parking lots
Surveying employee interest
Surveying employee commute habits annually
Subsidy use reports
RTP Trip Calendar reports (available with an ETC account)

Ride Together Pierce can also help you track and measure the success of your program.

4. What is an Employee Transportation Coordinator (ETC)?

An Employee Transportation Coordinator (ETC) is someone who promotes transportation options within a company's commute options program. They act as a go-between for the company's management and employees, as well as for the employer and local jurisdiction. Their job is to help implement, promote and administer the company's commute options program.

With support from other departments, the ETC does a variety of things like meeting with management to decide on program elements, working with transit agencies and the local government, completing reporting requirements, coordinating employee surveys, helping employees find carpools or vanpools, promoting the commute options program, and tracking employee participation.

5. What is the Washington State Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) law?

The Washington State Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) law is a state mandate requiring employers with 100 or more employees who work at a single worksite to develop and implement a program to reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips during peak commuting hours. Learn more about Washington’s CTR requirements here.

Puget Sound’s I-5 is one of the nation’s worst congestion points, causing issues for the environment, commuters, and employers. Spokane County and several central Washington counties are also affected by heavy traffic congestion. To solve these issues, the Washington State legislature adopted the Commute Trip Reduction law, which is now also part of Washington’s Clean Air Act.

The CTR goal is to reduce statewide air pollution from greenhouse gas emissions through a commute trip reduction program where the use of single-occupant vehicles is less, favoring other modes of travel.

See how we can help your organization develop a commute program that fits your needs and meets the state requirements here.

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Carpool FAQs

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1. What are the benefits of participating in a carpool program?

Whether you use a carpooling platform like RideShareOnline.com to find a rideshare group or find co-workers or neighbors to ride with, the benefits are the same:

Save money by splitting fuel costs, tolls, parking fees, and other vehicle maintenance.
Speed up your commute by using HOV lanes.
Contribute positively to the environment by reducing the number of cars on the road and lowering carbon emissions.
Have fun socializing, singing some carpool karaoke, listening to podcasts, or catching up on social media (if you’re not the driver!)

2. How do I find a carpool partner?: Contact your co-workers. Talk to neighbors. Post a flyer at your cubicle or work bulletin board. Or complete a ride-match request application on RideshareOnline.com. It’s a free and confidential service that will help you find people in your area who want to share the ride.

3. Is it recommended to carpool with someone I don't know?: Everyone's comfort level is different. Try meeting at a local coffee shop with potential carpoolers to get acquainted prior to riding together.

4. Are there rules for a carpool?: Your carpool will operate smoothly if you establish a few rules in advance. For example, decide on policies about smoking, the radio, wait times and driving rotation. Agree on vacation plans and notification about absences. A few minutes now will save time and headaches later.

5. Is there a cost for participating in a carpool?: Discuss with your carpool partners how to distribute the costs of your commute fairly. You can do this by taking turns as the carpool driver, or by having the driver charge each rider a fare that you all agree on. Remember that there are more expenses than just gasoline. To be fair, all riders are expected to participate in cost sharing for the gasoline, tolls, parking, oil, service, and wear and tear. For help, refer to this guide from AAA.

6. Do I need car insurance?: Yes, it’s the law. You need insurance for your car and for your passengers. Check with your insurance agent to make sure that you have adequate coverage. Carpool riders may want to see if they qualify for a discount because they are not driving to work each day.

7. How do carpoolers decide who drives?

Some people only want to ride and are willing to reimburse part of the costs, while others prefer to share the driving. If driving is rotated equally between carpoolers and their personal vehicles, no money needs to be exchanged.

8. What if one partner wants the other to go out of their way to pick up another rider?: It is up to the group of people in the carpool to decide what their pickup points will be. Remember, they should be convenient for all pooling members.

9. What if one carpooler makes the others late for work?: We recommend that carpoolers pick a leave time and stick to it. If problems continue, then try to find a resolution by talking with the group members.

10. How long is recommended for a carpool trial period?: We recommend a four-week trial period. This will give you a chance to knock out the kinks and test the waters.

11. What if one person decides they do not want to carpool with the other person?: Establishing a trial period can help alleviate this concern. That way, if one or more do not like the situation, it’s easier to leave it.

12. An employee only lives two miles away from work. Can they still carpool?

Yes! You still experience the benefits of carpooling with short drives, such as not fighting for parking spaces, splitting gas prices, and lowering your carbon footprint!

13. What if I need to get home in case of an emergency?

If your employer partners with Ride Together Pierce and you use a smart commute option to get to work, you may be eligible for a free taxi, Lyft or Uber ride home in case of an emergency. Contact your Employee Transportation Coordinator or visit this page for more information. Rides are capped at $100 per trip and six trips per year.

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Carpool Resources FAQs

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1. How do I find a carpool partner in Pierce County?: Contact your co-workers. Talk to neighbors. Post a flyer at your cubicle or work bulletin board. Or complete a ride-match request application on RideshareOnline.com. It’s a free and confidential service that will help you find people in your area who want to share the ride.

2. What are the benefits of carpooling compared to driving alone or using public transportation?

Many people enjoy carpooling compared to other commute methods for the social aspect. If you’re driving with friends, neighbors, co-workers or other community members, you get the opportunity to catch up and connect while passing the commute time faster.

Other benefits of carpooling:

Save money by splitting fuel costs, tolls, parking fees, and other vehicle maintenance.
Speed up your commute by using HOV lanes.
Contribute positively to the environment by reducing the number of cars on the road and lowering carbon emissions.
Catch up on a good book, get some work done or enjoy a power nap on days that you’re not the driver.

3. How do I determine the cost of my carpool trip and split expenses with my carpool partners?

When dividing the costs of a carpool, remember that there are more expenses than just gasoline. To be fair, all riders are expected to participate in cost sharing for the gasoline, tolls, parking, oil, service, and wear and tear. For help, refer to this guide from AAA.

Discuss total costs and division of expenses with your carpool group. Once you determine each person’s cost share, agree to the frequency of payment, a recurring date for payment and the payment method. Ensuring the costs and payment schedule are clear and fully agreed to can help avoid problems in the future.

If driving is rotated equally between carpoolers and their personal vehicles, no money needs to be exchanged.

4. What are the health benefits of carpooling?: Carpooling can be a huge boost for your mental health! Traffic jams are never really fun. Why not let your co-worker do the driving now and again so you can arrive home at night refreshed and stress-free? Plus, carpooling can give you time to get to know your co-workers in a different light. Who knew Alice from accounting was a Deadhead? And then Stephen from sales told you of that new mystery podcast — sharing podcasts is another fun aspect of carpooling!

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Carpooling

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1. How do I find a carpool partner?: Contact your co-workers. Talk to neighbors. Post a flyer at your cubicle or work bulletin board. Or complete a ridematch request application on RideshareOnline.com. It’s a free and confidential service that will help you find people in your area who want to share the ride.
RideShareOnline.com

2. Should I carpool with someone I don't know?: Everyone's comfort level is different. Try meeting at a local coffee shop with potential carpoolers to get acquainted prior to riding together.

3. Should our carpool set rules?: Your carpool will operate smoothly if you establish a few rules in advance. For example, decide on policies about smoking, the radio, wait times and driving rotation. Agree on vacation plans and notification about absences. A few minutes now will save time and headaches later.

4. Should I charge the other riders?: You and your carpool partners should discuss how to fairly distribute the costs of your commute. You can do this by taking turns as the carpool driver, or by having the driver charge each rider a fare that you all agree on. Remember that there are more expenses than just gasoline. Each rider should be expected to pay for a share of the gasoline, parking, oil, service, and wear and tear. For help refer to following guide from AAA.
AAA Driving Costs Guide

5. Do I need car insurance?: Yes, it’s the law. You need insurance for your car and for your passengers. Check with your insurance agent to make sure that you have adequate coverage. Carpool riders may want to see if they qualify for a discount because they are not driving to work each day.

6. How do carpoolers decide who drives?: Some people only want to ride and are willing to reimburse part of the costs, while others prefer to share the driving. If driving is shared, no money needs to exchange hands.

7. What if one partner wants the other to go out of their way to pick up another rider?: It is up to the "poolers" to decide what their pickup points will be. Remember, they should be convenient to all pooling members.

8. What if one carpooler makes the others late for work?: Carpoolers should pick a leave time and stick to it. If problems continue, then partners should discuss ways to reach a resolution. Also, carpoolers should let their supervisors know of their carpool arrangements.

9. How long should a trial period be?: Carpoolers should try a four-week period. This will give them a chance to knock out the kinks and test the waters.

10. What if one person decides they do not want to carpool with the other person?: Hopefully, the carpoolers established a trial period. This way, if one or both do not like the situation it’s easier to leave it.

11. An employee only lives two miles away from work. Can they still carpool?: Yes! A carpool trip counts regardless of the trip length.

12. What if I need to get home in the case of an emergency?: If your employer partners with Pierce Transit and you use a smart commute option to get to work, you may be eligible for a free taxi, Lyft or Uber ride home in case of an emergency. Contact your Employee Transportation Coordinator or visit the following page for more information. Rides are capped at $100 per trip and six trips per year.
Emergency Ride Home Service

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Community Challenges FAQ

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1. Who can participate in community challenges?: Challenges are open to community members, employees, or anyone who travels to, from, or within Pierce County.

2. How can I find out about upcoming community challenges?

We keep the community updated through our social media pages and newsletters.

To join our newsletter, simply send us a quick hello and we’ll add you to our email list. You can also find and follow us on Twitter or Facebook.

3. What are the eligibility requirements for the challenges?: Each one differs depending on the type of challenge. For example, for our teleworking and compressed workweek challenge you have to log at least five teleworking or compressed workweek sessions to be eligible to win prizes. For bike month, you will have to log in 10 bicycling trips. Each challenge highlights what the eligibility requirements are on the page and we also have a dedicated page for each challenge’s eligibility here.

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Compressed Workweek FAQs

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1. What is a compressed workweek?

A compressed workweek is a scheduling arrangement where an employee works longer hours over fewer days per week. For example, instead of working five 8-hour days, an employee might work four 10-hour days or even 12-hour days.

2. What are the benefits of a compressed workweek?

Some benefits of a compressed workweek include reduced commuting time and expenses, improved work-life balance, and increased productivity and job satisfaction. There are many reasons why someone might want to work a compressed work week.

Some of the most common include:

More time for personal and family commitments. A compressed work week can give people more time to spend with their families, pursue hobbies, or simply relax. This can be especially beneficial for people who have long commutes or who are juggling multiple commitments.
Improve work-life balance. A compressed work week can help people achieve a better balance between their work and personal lives. This can lead to increased productivity, decreased stress, and improved overall well-being.
Reduce burnout. Long hours and high-pressure work environments can lead to burnout. A compressed work week can help people avoid burnout by giving them more time to rest and recharge.

Learn more about how you can save money and time with compressed workweeks here.

3. How can I implement a compressed workweek at my workplace?

To implement a compressed workweek, you should first assess the feasibility of the arrangement for your workplace and employees. You can then work with your employees to develop a schedule that meets their needs and the needs of the organization. It may also be helpful to provide training and support for employees and managers to ensure a successful transition to the compressed workweek.

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Emergency Ride Home

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1. What if I need to get home in case of an emergency?: If your employer partners with Pierce Transit and you use a smart commute option to get to work, you may be eligible for a free taxi, Lyft or Uber ride home in case of an emergency. Rides are capped at $100 per trip and six trips per year. Contact your Employee Transportation Coordinator for more information.

2. How do I get reimbursed for an Emergency Ride Home?

The employee must gain approval from their Employee Transportation Coordinator (ETC) that they are requesting an Emergency Ride Home for a valid reason.
Once the employee is approved and has taken the Emergency Ride Home, they need to save a copy of the paper or email receipt.
The employee will need to send the receipt to their ETC, who will submit a reimbursement request on their behalf. The reimbursement is processed by Pierce Transit, who will mail a check directly to the employee within 10 business days.

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Employee Transportation Program FAQs

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1. How can my employer switch to sustainable transportation?: Employers can switch by implementing programs such as compressed workweeks, employer transportation programs, and work from home arrangements. Ride Together Pierce provides resources and guidance to help employers and employees make the switch to sustainable commuting, making it easy and convenient for all parties involved. Get in touch with us to get started here.

2. Can I really save money by using alternative travel modes?: Yes, you can. By reducing your reliance on cars and using alternative travel modes such as biking, walking, or public transportation, you can save money on gas, insurance, and parking. Regular exercise can also improve your health and reduce healthcare costs.

3. What are some employer transportation options?: Employer transportation options include carpooling, vanpooling, biking, and public transportation. Employers may also offer compressed workweek schedules and telework options.

4. How can my employer encourage sustainable commutes?: Employers can implement programs such as compressed workweeks, employee transportation programs, and work-from-home arrangements. Ride Together Pierce provides resources and guidance to help employers and employees make the switch to using sustainable transportation, making it easy and convenient for all parties involved.

5. What if I have an emergency when I take a sustainable commute?

If you take a sustainable transport mode to work, such as biking, walking, riding the bus or train, carpooling or vanpooling, and your employer partners with Ride Together Pierce, you may be eligible for a free Uber, Lyft or taxi ride home in case of an emergency.

Visit Ride Together Pierce’s Emergency Ride Home page for more information or contact your Employee Transportation Coordinator.

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ETC Corner FAQs

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1. Can only CTR-affected sites implement a commute options program?

Even if your employer is not required to implement a commute options program under the Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) Act, they can still elect to participate in a program to help lower carbon emissions.

Ride Together Pierce can help your Pierce County employer, big or small, successfully build out a transportation program to help employees get to work using alternative transportation. Contact us to see how we can help bring a commute options program to your workplace!

2. What is the role of an ETC (Employee Transportation Coordinator)?

The ETC does a variety of things, like meeting with management to decide on program elements, working with transit agencies and the local government, completing reporting requirements, coordinating employee surveys, helping employees find rideshares, promoting the commute options program, and tracking employee participation.

They also distribute subsidies and incentives, monitor employee parking in designated HOV spaces, and keep management up to date on the program's progress.

3. How can I encourage employees to join the transportation program?

Incentives and subsidies are a great way to encourage employees to try alternative transportation modes.

An incentive is a periodic or one-time offering, such as giveaways, monthly treats, a late start for bike riders or discounts.
A subsidy is provided on a regular schedule and is usually tied to the smart mode used, such as subsidizing the cost of using the bus or a vanpool, allowing employees to earn a dollar amount per day for using alternative transportation modes or allowing employees to earn time off.
Another perk is assisting with carpool/vanpool ride matching and offering front-door carpool/vanpool parking.

Connecting employees to cost-effective, convenient commuting options that fit their work schedules can also encourage employees to join the transportation program. Offering work-from-home options or a compressed workweek might work for some employees, while a convenient and cost-effective vanpool or carpool may be best for others.

Education combined with incentives and subsidies can help engage employees in the CTR program and encourage them to try out alternative transportation modes.

4. How does the Emergency Ride Home program benefit employees?

The Emergency Ride Home program offers a safety net in case of an emergency when employees choose an alternative transportation mode.

If your employer partners with Ride Together Pierce, you may be eligible for a free Uber, Lyft or taxi ride home in case of an emergency. Visit Ride Together Pierce’s Emergency Ride Home page for more information.

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First Time (Bike) Riders Guide

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1. What do I do if I get a flat tire?

A flat will slow you down, but if you pack some essential bike maintenance tools on your ride, you can get back on the road in no time! Always carry the following to be prepared:

Extra tire tube(s) or a patch kit
C02 cartridges and an adaptor or a hand pump to inflate the tube
Two tire levers to remove the tire from the wheel

When you get a flat on a bike, it’s actually the inflatable tube that needs more air or possibly changed if it has a hole or leak. If you just need more air, use the hand pump to inflate the tire. If you need to change the tire, check out this easy-to-follow video demonstration of changing out a flat.

Taking a hands-on class to learn how to change a flat tire can help you feel confident in your skills and ready for this scenario. Take a look at these places that offer tire changing and bike maintenance classes:

2. How do I lock my bike up securely?

Locking your bike securely helps deter theft. Here are some tips to lock your bike:

Research different types of bike locks and choose a lock that will deter theft and cannot be easily cut.
Use a U-shaped lock and a cable lock, locking your bike at two points on the bike rack to make it more secure.
Make sure you are using your lock correctly.
Many bicycles are stolen out of yards or off porches. Ensure that you store your bike securely, even at home.

Check out our Bicycle Parking page for more information on parking your bike and discover places near you that have bike storage lockers and secure parking available for a fee.

3. What should I do if I get lost?

As soon as you’re not sure where you are, try to correct the course right away. If you can identify how to get back to the last place that was familiar to you, turn back around so you can take the right turn at that intersection.

You can also use the sun to determine the time of day and direction, listen for road noise to get to a main point, or look for familiar bodies of water or landmarks to help you know where you are. Or use resources and people to help you!

Check on your GPS or SmartPhone to identify your location and route yourself back on track.
If your phone is not available, ask other pedestrians for help or pop into a local business to ask for directions.

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First Time Carpooling Guide FAQs

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1. How do I find carpool partners who live near me?: Contact your co-workers. Talk to neighbors. Post a flyer at your cubicle or work bulletin board. Or complete a ride-match request application on RideshareOnline.com. It’s a free and confidential service that will help you find people in your area who want to share the ride.

2. What if I need to leave work early or stay late?

Talk about scenarios like this in your initial carpool logistics planning, so everyone is in agreement on how to handle schedule changes. Most likely, you’ll want to call members of your carpool group as soon as possible to let them know about the changes to your schedule.

If it’s not possible for your carpool group to be flexible to your schedule changes, you’ll be responsible for finding your own transportation. You may be eligible for a free taxi, Lyft or Uber ride home in case of a qualifying emergency if your employer partners with RideTogether Pierce and you participate in a carpool.

Learn more about the Emergency Ride Home program or contact your Employee Transportation Coordinator for more information.

3. How do I handle payment for gas and other expenses?: Your carpooling group will decide the cost per carpooler, payment schedule and payment method. When deciding how to split the costs, remember to consider all of the expenses, such as gasoline, parking, oil, wear and tear, service and tolls. For help, refer to this guide from AAA.

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First Time Foot Traveler Guide FAQs

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1. How long should I walk each week?: The general medical recommendation is 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity, like walking. This contributes to overall health benefits, including decreased disease risk, weight and stress management, reduced stress, and better sleep. The great thing about those 150 minutes is that everything adds up! Just a 15-minute walk to the train and a 5-minute walk to work five days a week round trip puts you at 200 minutes of walking for the week!

2. What can I do to increase safety while walking?

Safety is one of the top concerns for pedestrians, especially if they are walking alone. You’ll want to keep these tips in mind to keep you safe while walking:

Choose a route that is frequented by other pedestrians, bikers, etc. There is safety in numbers.
Be aware of your surroundings. It’s best not to be distracted by your phone or wear earphones. Being aware and alert helps you avoid being a target.
If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic and in a single file line.
Check out these 11 Rules for Staying Safe While Walking.

3. Should I stretch before walking?: You can stretch before or after your walk, but if you want to do any stretching before you walk be sure to do a warm up first. Check out this Pre-Walk Warm-Up Routine for some simple movements that will help get your blood flowing, warm up muscles and joints and help you prevent injuries from walking.

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First Time Link Riding Guide FAQs

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1. How do I pay for the Link light rail?: Use your ORCA card or pay using cash, a credit card or debit card or at ticket machines located at all Link light rail and Sounder stations. You can also pay ahead on the Transit GO ticket app on your phone.

2. How often does the Link light rail run?

The Tacoma T Line runs from the Tacoma Dome Station to 9th and Commerce every 12 to 24 minutes, seven days a week except holidays.

The 1 Line through Seattle from Northgate to Angle Lake runs every 8 to 15 minutes, seven days a week, except holidays.

3. Where can I find a map of the Link light rail route?: Check out the Sound Transit Service Map, which shows the current service map of all Sound Transit services, including the Link light rail routes.

4. Can I bring my bike on the Link light rail?: Yes! Each Link light rail car can accommodate up to four bikes. People bringing their bikes will enter the light rail cars that have a bicycle symbol. Prepare for your ride by learning everything you need to know about bringing your bike on the Link.

5. Is the Link light rail accessible to people with disabilities?: Yes! Part of Sound Transit’s mission is to ensure their services are accessible to people with disabilities. From accessible boarding stations to designated spaces on rail cars for people with disabilities, the Link rail cars are designed with everyone in mind. Take a look at the Sound Transit Accessibility page for more information and resources.

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First Time Sounder Guide FAQs

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1. Where do I park my car?: You can park at a Sound Transit lot. You may need to apply for a permit to park in some of the lots. Discover parking lots and the best option for you at the Sound Transit parking information page.

2. How do I purchase a ticket for the Sounder train?

Pay your fare with your ORCA card or use a credit card, debit card or cash at ticket machines located at all Link light rail and Sounder stations. You can also pay ahead on the Transit GO ticket app on your phone.

3. Are there any discounts or special fares available?

Yes! The following programs are available to help make riding the Sounder train affordable and accessible to all:

Regional Reduced Fare Permits are available to those who qualify, seniors and people with disabilities
ORCA LIFT cards are available to qualifying low-income adults
Youth under 18 ride free! Ages 6-18 will need a free card that can be requested through the ORCA website

4. What are the benefits of riding the Sounder train?

There are plenty of reasons to take the Sounder train, including the positive impact to your wallet, your time, and the environment!

Save money on single occupancy vehicle expenses such as gas, maintenance, tolls, and insurance.
Save time by taking care of work or personal business during your commute.
Connect on the move with free WiFi on the train, in the tunnel and at underground stations.
Reduce your personal carbon footprint by lowering gas emissions.
Contribute to cleaner air, healthier communities and less traffic congestion by removing cars from the road.

5. What is the Sounder train?: Operated by Sound Transit, the Sounder is a commuter rail that services Lakewood to Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner, Auburn, Kent, Tukwila, Downtown Seattle and Everett.

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First Time User Guide FAQs

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1. How can I combine different travel modes for my daily commute?

Combining different travel modes for your daily commute makes sustainable commuting even easier and more accessible. You can mix and match travel modes based on your unique trip. The Transit Trip Planner and Google Maps are tools that can help you plan your mixed-travel mode route.

Easily pay your fare for the bus, Sounder and Link light rail using the ORCA card or Transit GO Ticket app.

Adding biking into your travel plans is easy since you can bring your bike on the bus, Sounder train, and Link light rail and Bicycle Parking is available in and around transit stations.

2. How do I know how much money I’m saving by taking different transportation modes?: You can take this commute cost quiz to discover how much money you spend on your monthly commute and compare it to how much you can save by taking sustainable transportation modes.

3. What if I have an emergency when riding the bus or biking for my commute?

Visit Ride Together Pierce’s Emergency Ride Home page for more information or contact your Employee Transportation Coordinator.

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First Time Users Guide (Bus)

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1. Is the bus safe to ride?

Buses are actually one of the safest modes of transportation out there! According to studies, the fatality rate for car occupants is 23 times higher than that for bus occupants.

That means that riding the bus is much safer than driving your own car. So don't worry, you're in good hands on the bus!

2. What if I have a stroller?: If you have a stroller, no worries! Buses have priority seating at the front specifically for individuals with strollers. You can conveniently leave your stroller unfolded and in its place without the need to fold and store it.

3. Are buses wheelchair accessible?: Yes, all buses in the Puget Sound region are wheelchair accessible. They have either a lift or ramp to allow for easy boarding and exiting of the bus. All buses also have designated areas for passengers in wheelchairs to secure themselves during the ride.

4. What if my bus is late?: Most buses arrive on time, which includes a 5-minute window, but sometimes they can be delayed due to traffic, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances. If your bus is late, you can use the Transit Tracker on the Pierce Transit website or app to see when your bus is expected to arrive.

5. Where do I sit?: You can sit anywhere on the bus, except for seats designated for pregnant people, people with luggage, passengers with disabilities or seniors. If these seats are not occupied, other passengers may use them. It is important to give up your seat to someone who needs it more than you, such as an elderly person or someone with a disability.

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First Time Vanpooling Guide FAQs

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1. Can I bring food or drinks in the van?: This is a great question for your vanpool coordinator! Although water and other beverages and snacks may be allowed, some food types may be restricted due to rider allergies or other reasons.

2. What happens if the vanpool breaks down?: In the rare occurrence that your vanpool breaks down, your transit authority is ready to help. Contact the transit authority of your vanpool right away. They will dispatch technicians and, if needed, a replacement vehicle as soon as possible. You may also need to call your work to let them know about the situation.

3. What is the difference between a vanpool, a vanshare and a carpool?

While all are a type of rideshare, vanpool is more formal and usually arranged through a transit authority. Vanpoolers pay their fare to the transit authority, and the transit-owned van is used, which includes maintenance, licensing and insurance.

If you ride the bus, train or bike to a transit station, a vanshare can help you complete the ride to home, school or work. Limited to shorter distances than vanpools, vanshares get you the “last mile” of your commute. Just like a vanpool, the vans are operated by the transit authority, require a minimum of three people, and are paid for on a monthly basis. You can check with your transit authority to see the vanshare options available.

A carpool can be informally arranged between two or more people who share a similar commute route. In a carpool, passengers pay the driver an agreed fare to fairly split gas, parking, maintenance, insurance, etc. or carpool members rotate driving their personal vehicle equally.

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Free & Reduced Fares FAQs

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1. What is the ORCA LIFT card for low-income Pierce County residents?: The ORCA LIFT card is a special, reduced-fare transit card for low-income residents of Pierce County. It provides a 50% discount on adult fares for participating transit agencies, including Pierce Transit and Sound Transit.

2. Where can I get an ORCA card?

ORCA cards can be purchased at participating retail locations or online.

3. How much can I save with free and reduced fares in Pierce County?

The amount you can save with free and reduced fares in Pierce County varies depending on the program you qualify for. For example, the ORCA LIFT card provides a 50% discount on adult fares, while youth 18 and under can ride for free.

4. Can I apply for multiple free and reduced fares programs in Pierce County?: Yes, you can apply for multiple programs for free and reduced fares in Pierce County, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements for each program. However, keep in mind that some programs may have overlapping benefits, so it's important to read the details of each program carefully to determine which ones are right for you.

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Getting Started, Businesses FAQs

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1. What is a Transportation Program?

A Transportation Program is a set of services, guidelines, and resources provided by an employer. Ride Together Pierce provides services to help businesses develop a transportation program thereby reducing traffic congestion, fuel consumption, and pollution while promoting a healthy environment and robust economy.

If you're interested in learning more about our employer transportation program and how it can benefit your business, contact us today.

2. What are some benefits of offering commuter benefits to employees?

Providing commuter benefits such as transit passes, subsidies, and telecommuting options can not only improve air quality and reduce traffic congestion, but also help reduce commute costs for employees, which can contribute to their overall job satisfaction, increase productivity and improve wellness.

3. How can a business benefit from a transportation program ?

By promoting sustainable commuting options and reducing traffic congestion through initiatives like a Transportation Program, businesses can experience several advantages:

Cost reduction: Less congestion on roads means improved traffic flow, leading to reduced delivery times and lower transportation costs. With smoother transportation routes, businesses can optimize their supply chain, resulting in more efficient and cost-effective product manufacturing and distribution.

Improved productivity: Reduced congestion means faster and more reliable transportation, enabling businesses to streamline their operations. Timely delivery of raw materials and components enhances productivity and minimizes delays in production schedules. This increased efficiency can have a positive impact on overall manufacturing processes.

Tax benefits: Many governments offer tax incentives and benefits to businesses that actively promote sustainable commuting options. By encouraging employees to carpool, vanpool, or use public transit, businesses can potentially qualify for tax credits, deductions, or exemptions, further reducing their operating costs.

4. What initiatives can employers take to promote sustainable transportation options?

Employers can take a variety of initiatives, such as offering commuter benefits, creating a worksite transportation program, and providing resources such as toolkits and transit services to employees. These initiatives can help encourage employees to adopt more sustainable transportation practices and reduce their carbon footprint.

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Getting Started, Residents

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1. How do I get from Lakewood to Seattle without a car?

Public transit offers many ways to get from Tacoma to Seattle without a car. Here are some options for you:

Sounder Commuter Train: A train service that runs from Lakewood to Seattle and stops at several stations along the way, including Tacoma. You can take this train from the Tacoma Dome Station to Seattle King Street Station.
Sound Transit Express Bus: Operates several bus routes that connect Tacoma with Seattle.
Intercity Transit Bus: Operates bus routes that run between Tacoma and Olympia, and connect with Sound Transit Express routes in Lakewood.
Pierce Transit Bus: Pierce Transit operates several bus routes that run within Tacoma and the surrounding area.

You can also join a vanpool or carpool in your area.

First time riding a bus to Seattle? Check out our beginner’s guide and frequently asked questions so you’re prepared when it’s time to go!

2. How can I plan my trip using public transit?

Know your route: Figure out where you are starting from and where you want to go.

Gather information: Pierce County has several transportation options including Pierce Transit, Sound Transit, and Intercity Transit, so we encourage you to check out which options are available in your area, their routes, schedules, and fare information.
Use a trip planning tool: Map out your journey using a trip planner. There are several out there on Pierce Transit and, of course, Google Maps, which will give you transit directions and information. Make sure to check the schedules to ensure you arrive on time!
Purchase your bus pass: Once you have planned your trip, you can purchase your ticket or pass from a ticket vending machine located at the station or on the provider's website.

Riding your bike? Many bicycle riders use hybrid travel modes by riding their bike to a bus stop, storing their bike on the rack in front of the bus, and then hopping off to finish the ride to their destination. For those traveling to King County by train, you can store your bike at the transit center using a bike locker then board the train.

By following these steps, you can plan a convenient and cost-effective trip using public transportation in Pierce County.

3. How do I log my trips using the RTP Trip Calendar?

When you record your trips, you become more aware of your daily transportation choices and patterns. If you are looking for opportunities to use alternative transportation options more often, recording your trips can help you. You will be able to see your personal cost savings, gallons of gasoline saved and how much air pollution you've prevented from being emitted.

Go to the trip calendar and create an account.
Select the date you took the trip.
Select the purpose of your trip (i.e. business, errands, etc.).
Select the mode(s) you used to travel (ie carpool, bike, bus, etc.).
Save your trip.

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Link Light Rail FAQs

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1. How much does it cost to ride the Link light rail?

The Link 1 Line servicing Seattle ranges from $2.25 to $3.50 depending on your trip length. Check out the Sound Transit Fares page to find out how much your route will cost.

The T Line in Tacoma is free for all passengers. The T Line will start collecting fares in fall 2023.

2. Are there reduced fares available to use the light rail service?

You may qualify for $1.00 fares through the ORCA Lift program for low-income adults or the Regional Reduced Fares Pass for seniors. Youth 18 and under always ride free on Sound Transit services. Apply for a free Youth Transit Pass.

3. What are the benefits of using the Link light rail?

Save money, travel sustainably, and conveniently get where you need to be going north to Seattle and downtown Tacoma using the Link.

Extends the Sounder Train services with more stops for Seattle and Tacoma.
Affordable transit option — 1 Line riders pay between $2.25 and $3.50 per ride and the T Line is free for all (until they begin charging in fall 2023)!
Stations have bus connections to make continuing your ride easy!
All stations have bike parking available so you can securely lock up your bike.
Several stations have Park-and-Ride lots nearby.
1 Line connects between the Northgate station and Angle Lake station for 25 service miles.
T Line travels 1.6 miles between Tacoma Dome Station and Downtown Tacoma. More stops to Hilltop will be added in fall 2023.

4. Are Link light rail trains accessible to people with disabilities?

Yes! Check out the accessibility features of the Link light rail trains.

From soundtransit.org:

Link light rail trains feature level boarding at all stations, allowing passengers who use wheelchairs or other devices to simply roll aboard.
All light rail vehicles feature two spaces for riders who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices.
Handrails are available throughout all rail cars to assist with sitting, standing and balance.
An intercom button for communicating with the train operator is located near the accessible seating in each rail car. Just press the button and speak. This is useful if you need more time to get off the train.
At Link light rail stations, tactile waiting mats indicate where train doors will open and passengers can safely board, and at most stations bollards prevent passengers from inadvertently stepping into the empty space between cars.

5. Are bikes allowed on the Link light rail?: Yes, bikes are allowed up to four per train, with two in the front and two in the back. Passengers must stay with their bikes, and hold one hand on their bike and the other on the handrail for safety.

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Link Riding Resources FAQs

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1. What are the hours of operation for the Link light rail?

The T Line has arrivals and departures every 12 to 24 minutes, depending on the station and day. Check out the T Line Routes and Schedules for more information and holiday limitations.

The 1 Line has arrivals and departures every 8 to 15 minutes, depending on the station and day. Check out the 1 Line Routes and Schedules for more information and holiday limitations.

2. Is there parking available near the Link light rail stations?

Check out the Sound Transit Parking page to see if there is a lot that works for your parking needs. These Link light rail stations have Park and Ride lots for your convenience:

Northgate
International Blvd
Angle Lake
Tacoma Dome

You may also be able to find paid street parking or parking garages. Always check to see if there are any signs indicating time limitations or exceptions, and be sure to pay for parking at a pay station or with the attendant to avoid any unwanted tickets or towing.

3. Are there any safety tips I should be aware of when riding the Link light rail?

Being safe around the tracks requires just a handful of tips to keep in mind:

Look both ways
Stand behind the yellow line
Always take crosswalks
Keep your eyes and ears open

Take a look at this Sound Transit video and details for staying safe around tracks and trains.

Additionally, Sound Transit asks that if you see something, you say something. Being aware of your surroundings helps you, other passengers, workers and drivers stay safe!

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Lost or Stolen Bicycles

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1. What’s the best way to securely lock my bike?: First, research different types of bike locks to find the best one for your needs. Then, make sure you use it properly and securely lock your bike in designated racks or bike parking areas. Using a U-lock to secure the back wheel and frame with an additional cable through the front wheel can help prevent theft. Find more information about bicycle parking here.

2. Are there secure areas available to store or lock up my bike?

Yes! Your options may be different depending on whether you’re storing your bike long-term, such as at home, or short-term, such as for the day or a few hours while you’re at work or shopping.

Ask your apartment or condo complex if they have a long-term bike storage garage or cage for residents to store their bike. You may also want to talk to your employer to see if they have a bike parking facility, garage or gated area available to store your bike while you are working.

Depending on your needs and availability, the following options can help you with short-term parking while you’re out and about:

Bike racks available outside of stores or public areas.
Secure Parking Areas (SPAs) are secured, covered parking available in three locations: Tacoma Dome Station, Pacific Plaza Parking Garage and Park Plaza Parking Garage. Visit the Pierce Transit website for additional information, or call customer service at 253-581-8000.
Bike lockers are secure, closed and protected from the elements. They are available through Pierce Transit to help you safely store your bike when you catch a bus. For more information, call customer service at 253-581-8000.
On-demand bike lockers and leased cages are also available at many of the Sound Transit stations for secure bike-keeping.

3. How can I encourage my employer to provide bicycle parking?: Peace of mind knowing that your bike will be safely waiting for you after work is a great perk that employers can offer to help encourage biking to work. Check out this guide to convince your employer to install secure bike parking.

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Puget Sound Transit Options FAQs

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1. How can I get started riding public transportation?

Once you know the basics, taking public transportation is as simple as planning your route, paying your fare and riding to your destination!

We’ve created these easy-to-follow first time user guides for riding the bus, Sounder, Link, and vanpool to help get you started.

2. Can I bring my bike on public transportation?

Yes! Buses and trains are equipped to allow passengers to bring their bike on the journey. Not only is it possible, linking biking with other modes of public transport is a great way to positively impact your health and fitness.

Check out some other resources to make it easy for you to bring your bike along for the journey: Bicycle Parking, Bikes on Buses, Bicycle Safety and Bicycle Maps & Routes.

3. Are there any discounts available for public transit?

Yes, there are several reduced-fare programs available.

Youth ORCA Program: Youth can now ride free on all participating transit services and agencies across the Puget Sound!
ORCA LIFT Program: Provides a 50% discount on adult fares for participating transit agencies, based on qualifying income from guidelines established using the federal poverty level.
Pierce Transit Regional Reduced Fare Program: Includes discounts for seniors, individuals with a disability and Medicare Card holders.

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Requirements & FAQ

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1. What is an Employee Transaction Coordinator (ETC)?

2. What is the Washington State Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) law?

The Washington State Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) law is a state mandate requiring affected employers with 100 or more employees who work at a single worksite to develop and implement a program to reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips during peak commuting hours.

Puget Sound’s I-5 is one of the nation’s worst congestion points causing issues for the environment, commuters, and employers. To solve these issues, the Washington State legislature adopted the Commute Trip Reduction law which is now also part of Washington’s Clean Air act.

The CTR goal is to reduce statewide air pollution from greenhouse gas emissions through a commute trip reduction program where use of single-occupant vehicles is less, favoring alternative modes of travel.

3. What are the benefits of CTR?

For employers, implementing a CTR program can result in cost savings by reducing the need for parking spaces and potentially avoiding expensive road and parking lot expansions.

Additionally, CTR programs reduce the vehicle miles traveled by employees and can improve employee satisfaction by providing more commuting options that fit their work schedules while potentially reducing their commuting costs. This, in turn, can lead to increased retention rates and decreased absenteeism.

For the community, CTR programs can reduce traffic congestion, which in turn can lead to improved air quality and decreased greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, reducing the number of single-occupancy vehicles on the road can lead to improved public safety and decreased wear and tear on roads and highways.

Overall, the CTR law aims to promote sustainable transportation options, improve quality of life, and reduce negative impacts on the environment and the community.

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Residents Benefits FAQs

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1. What are the benefits of walking?

Walking is one of the best ways to exercise your body!

Doctors recommend about 30 minutes of regular exercise each day. That doesn't necessarily mean running flat out on a treadmill. It can mean walking a reasonable distance — just enough to be breathing a little heavier and feeling warm.

Walking 30 minutes to and from work each day can help to:

Reduce the risk of heart attack
Lower blood pressure and cholesterol
Help to control weight

2. What are the health benefits of biking?

Biking is a great form of exercise and can provide many health benefits. Here are some of the ways that biking can benefit your health:

Improved cardiovascular health
Increased muscle strength and endurance
Reduced risk of chronic diseases
Improved mental health
Weight management

3. What are the health benefits of carpooling?

Carpooling can be a huge boon for your mental health. Traffic jams are never really fun. Why not let your co-worker do the driving now and again so you can arrive home at night refreshed and stress-free? Plus, carpooling can give you time to get to know your co-workers in a different light. Who knew Alice from accounting was a Deadhead? And then Stephen from sales told you of that new mystery podcast — sharing podcasts is another fun aspect of carpooling!

4. What are the benefits of taking public transportation?

Say hello to riding past traffic jams and letting someone else do the driving while you relax and arrive at your destination stress-free. Taking public transportation means you can enjoy the added physical activity of walking to and from transit stops, people-watch to your heart's content, and make the most of your commuting time by catching up on podcasts, reading, or being productive.

Plus, you'll be making a positive impact on the environment by reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions. Bring on the adventure and convenience of public transportation for a healthier and more enjoyable commute!

5. How do I find out which travel mode is right for me?

There are a few things you can do to find your best travel modes:

Consider your personal preferences, budget, and daily routine. You might find that a hybrid traveling style is most suitable — so from there it really depends on your proximity, time constraints, and physical capabilities.

Think about the distance and frequency of your trips, the availability and expense of parking, and the cost of transportation.

Talk to friends, family, or coworkers who use travel modes. They may have valuable insights they’re willing to share!

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Residents Hub Page

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1. What is Ride Together Pierce?: Ride Together Pierce is your one-stop center for transportation options in Pierce County. At this website you will discover new ways to travel all of your trips, link to services to help with your commute decisions, and find information about providing a commute options program at your worksite.

2. What is the RTP trip calendar?

The calendar is a way to track your trips. When you record your trips, you become more aware of your daily transportation choices and patterns. If you are looking for opportunities to use alternative transportation options more often, recording your trips can help you. You will be able to see your personal cost savings, gallons of gasoline saved and how much air pollution you've prevented from being emitted.

Plus, you show support for the program and help encourage others to take part. Unless you opt-out when registering, the calendar is also used as the prize entry form for promotions and campaigns. Qualifying trips will be automatically entered into these various promotions. Through these promotions you may win prizes such as gift cards.

Pierce County and Ride Together Pierce partners are not responsible for technical failures in entry transmission, lost, late, misdirected, incomplete or illegible entries. Entry constitutes permission to use the winner's name and company name for the purposes of promotion on behalf of Ride Together Pierce. Ride Together Pierce reserves the right to request a short interview and picture from winners for the purposes of promotion on behalf of Ride Together Pierce.

3. What counts as an alternative commute option to driving alone?: Any trip made by walking, bicycling, carpool, vanpool, train, light rail or bus that replaces a drive-alone vehicle trip. Also, trips not made to the worksite because of the result of your compressed workweek schedule or teleworking. Trips can be recorded by anyone traveling to employment or school sites located in Pierce County.

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Riders Resources

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1. How can my employer switch to sustainable transportation?: Employers can switch by implementing programs such as compressed workweeks, employee transportation programs, and work-from-home arrangements. Ride Together Pierce provides resources and guidance to help employers and employees make the switch to sustainable commuting, making it easy and convenient for all parties involved.

2. Can I really save money by using alternative travel modes?: Yes, you can. By reducing your reliance on cars and using alternative travel modes such as biking, walking, or public transportation, you can save money on gas, insurance, and parking. In addition, regular exercise can improve your health and reduce healthcare costs.

3. What if I have a disability or mobility issue?: If you have a disability or mobility issue, there may be alternative travel modes available to you. Contact your local transit agency to see what options are available in your area.

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Road & Trail Maintenance FAQs

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1. How do I know if I should report an issue I see?: If you see an issue that is a hazard, could be a hazard in the future, or is impeding proper use of a road or trail, it’s best to report it. You can help make the roads safer and more enjoyable by calling, emailing or using the app to report issues you encounter.

2. Should I report debris on the road?: If it’s an obstruction that could be a hazard, such as trees or animals, yes, it can be reported. Even though crews regularly sweep roads, there may be times that hazardous debris lands on the road between sweeping. Reporting obstructions can help avoid accidents.

3. How can I report an issue of road or trail maintenance?: One of the quickest ways to report an issue is using the SeeClickFix app. You can take and submit pictures of non-emergency issues, and the application will report the issue to the applicable local government agency. Depending on the county, you may also file a report by calling, sending an email or filling out an online form.

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Sounder Commuter Train FAQs

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1. What is the Sounder train?: Operated by Sound Transit, the Sounder is a commuter rail that services Lakewood to Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner, Auburn, Kent, Tukwila, Downtown Seattle and Everett.

2. How do I purchase tickets for the Sounder train?: Pay your fare with an ORCA card, at a ticket machine or buy a ticket using the Transit GO ticket app on your phone. You can also reload or buy a new ORCA card at the ticketing machines.

3. Where can I park my car near a Sounder train station?: Park in one of the nearby Park-and-Ride lots or Sound Transit permit parking areas. Discover parking lots and the best option for you at the Sound Transit parking information page.

4. What are the benefits of riding the Sounder train?

There are plenty of reasons to take the Sounder train, including the positive impact to your wallet, your time, and the environment!

Save money on single occupancy vehicle expenses such as gas, maintenance, tolls, and insurance
Save time by taking care of work or personal business during your commute
Connect on the move with free WiFi on the train, in the tunnel and at underground stations
Reduce your personal carbon footprint by lowering gas emissions
Contribute to cleaner air, healthier communities and less traffic congestion by removing cars from the road

5. Are there bike racks on the Sounder train?: The Sounder can accommodate up to four bikes, with two tie-down spaces available on each train. If you have a bike, enter the train through the doors with a blue bike symbol designating where the storage space is available. For more information, visit the Sound Transit bike information page.

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Sounder Resources FAQs

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1. Are there bike racks on the Sounder train?: The Sounder can accommodate up to four bikes, with two tie-down spaces available on each train. If you have a bike, enter the train through the doors with a blue bike symbol designating where the storage space is available. For more information, visit the Sound Transit bike information page.

2. Is taking the train a sustainable commute option?: Yes! Sustainable commute modes include carpooling, vanpooling, riding the bus or Sounder train, bicycling, walking, working from home, or skipping the commute because of a compressed work schedule.

3. Are there any discounts available or ways to get a reduced fare?

Yes! The following programs are available to help make riding the Sounder train affordable and accessible to all:

Regional Reduced Fare Permits are available to seniors and people with disabilities.
ORCA LIFT cards are available to qualifying low-income adults.
Youth under 18 ride free! Ages 6-18 will need a free card that can be requested through the ORCA website.

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Start Here FAQs

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1. How do I find the nearest bus stop or transit station in Pierce County?: Take a look at the Pierce Transit System Map to find the nearest bus stop or transit station. Or, let the Pierce Transit Trip Planner do the work for you by planning your trip from start to finish!

2. What is the cost of using sustainable transportation options?

While it depends on what type of transportation you use, alternative transportation can definitely save you some money! Walking only costs you a pair of good walking shoes, vanpooling as little as $100 a month, and taking the bus only $2 per ride.

Take a look at the different transit authority pages for precise information on transportation type and fare costs: Pierce Transit, Sound Transit, King County Metro, Kitsap Transit, Community Transit, Everett Transit, Kitsap Foot Ferries and Fast Ferries, and Seattle Streetcar.

3. Are there any special programs or discounts available for seniors, youth, or state employees?

Yes! The following discount programs are available:

Regional Reduced Fare Permits are available to seniors and people with disabilities
ORCA LIFT cards are available to qualifying low-income adults
Youth under 18 ride free. Riders 6-18 will need to get a youth ORCA card, which can be obtained for free on the website.

4. How can I report any issues or concerns regarding sidewalk or road maintenance issues?

In many counties, you can use the SeeClickFix app to report a problem. With the application downloaded on your phone you can:

Snap a pic of the issue.
Geo-locate where the issue is and submit the problem.
“SeeClickFix publicly documents the issue and notifies governments and others who resolve the problem.” — SeeClickFix app.

If you'd like to call or email to report an issue, see the list of contacts by location on our Road & Trail Maintenance page.

5. What are the environmental benefits of using alternative modes of transportation?: Simply put, greater use of alternative modes of transportation leads to cleaner air and clearer skies. Lowering greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels reduces air pollutants and can help avoid climate change.

6. What is sustainable transportation?

Sustainable transportation means finding ways to travel that are good for the environment and help create a healthier Earth for everyone. It's all about using ways to get around that don't cause pollution or harm nature. Essentially, the goal of sustainable transportation is to lower greenhouse gas emissions caused by vehicle usage.

Green transportation or alternative transportation are also ways to refer to sustainable transportation. At Ride Together Pierce, we champion the use of sustainable modes of transportation that help lower harmful carbon emissions while reducing the congestion of traffic on our roads.

By switching from single-occupancy vehicle travel to more sustainable modes, such as carpooling, vanpooling, walking, biking, telework, working from home, and public transit like bus, train, and light rail, we help create less congestion on the freeways and contribute to healthier, cleaner communities.

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Telework FAQs

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1. What are the benefits of teleworking for employers?

There are numerous benefits of teleworking for employers, including increased productivity, reduced overhead costs, and improved employee retention. Teleworking also allows for a more flexible work schedule, which can improve work-life balance and reduce employee stress.

It also means employers can expand their talent pool and look outside of their region for top talents. Because teleworking is so accessible, it also gives opportunities to people with disabilities who are unable to work onsite.

Additionally, teleworking can help employers reduce their carbon footprint by decreasing employee commutes. Overall, teleworking can lead to a happier and more engaged workforce, as well as a more sustainable and cost-effective business model.

2. How can employers implement a teleworking policy?

Implementing a telework policy takes careful planning and communication — but you won’t have to do it alone. Our team at Ride Together Pierce can assist you every step of the way.

Here’s what the process looks like from a birds-eye view:

Determine eligibility: Which roles and employees are eligible for teleworking based on their job duties, work style, and performance?

Establish guidelines: Develop guidelines for teleworking that cover topics such as communication, technology, work schedule, and performance standards.

Set up technology: Ensure that employees have the necessary information technology and equipment to work remotely, including a computer, internet access, and access to company systems and files.

Train employees: Train employees on how to effectively work remotely, including how to use technology, manage their time, and stay connected with colleagues.

Communicate regularly: Communicate regularly with employees to ensure that they have the support and resources they need to work effectively and to address any issues that arise.

Evaluate and adjust: Evaluate the effectiveness of the teleworking policy and make adjustments as needed to ensure that it is meeting the needs of employees and the business.

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Travel Modes Hub FAQs

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1. How do I find out which alternative travel mode is right for me?

There are a few things you can do to find your best travel modes:

Consider your personal preferences, budget, and daily routine. You might find that a hybrid traveling style is most suitable — so from there it really depends on your proximity, time constraints, and physical capabilities.
Think about the distance and frequency of your trips, the availability and expense of parking, and the cost of transportation.
Talk to friends, family, or coworkers who use alternative travel modes. They may have valuable insights they’re willing to share!

2. Where can I find biking resources and information in Pierce County?: We have an entire section of our website dedicated to current and future bike riders on our Bike main page! There you can discover bike lanes, maps, classes, communities and other helpful biking resources.

3. What is vanpooling and how does it work in Pierce County?: Vanpooling involves sharing a van with a group of people who have similar commuting routes. Find information about existing vanpools, how to join or start a vanpool, and cost-saving benefits here!

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Trip Calendar FAQs

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1. What is the RTP Trip Calendar?

The RTP Trip Calendar is a way to track your trips. When you record your trips, you become more aware of your daily transportation choices and patterns. If you are looking for opportunities to use sustainable transportation options more often, recording your trips can help you. You will be able to see your personal cost savings, gallons of gasoline saved and how much air pollution you've prevented from being emitted.

Pierce Transit, Pierce County, and the City of Tacoma are not responsible for technical failures in entry transmission, lost, late, misdirected, incomplete, or illegible entries. Entry constitutes permission to use the winner's name and company name for the purposes of promotion on behalf of Ride Together Pierce. Ride Together Pierce reserves the right to request a short interview and picture from winners for the purposes of promotion on behalf of Ride Together Pierce.

2. Where is the Help button for the Trip Calendar?: To find Help, click on your name in the upper right corner and then click on Help or you can scroll to the bottom of the page and click on Help in the bottom right corner. After clicking on Help, click on a topic in the left-hand menu to begin. After clicking on a topic, you can search within that topic by pressing ctrl+f and a search browser will open near the top, right above the RideTogetherPierce.com header.

3. How do I edit trips?: From the Calendar tab, click the 'View All Trips' button. Click the pencil icon next to the trip you want to edit. Editing a trip will edit only that individual trip on that individual day. To change the day that trip occurred, enter a different date in the format of mm/dd/yyyy, or press the small calendar icon to select a different day.

4. What counts as an alternative commute option to driving alone?: Any trip made by walking, bicycling, carpool, vanpool, train or bus that replaces a drive-alone vehicle trip. Also trips not made to the worksite because of the result of your compressed workweek schedule or teleworking. Trips can be recorded by anyone traveling to employment or school sites located in Pierce County.

5. What is the difference between trip purposes?

The RTP Trip Calendar allows you to log trips made for different purposes:

Work – trips to and from work (work commute)
Work Meeting/Errand – trips between work and another location for work purposes
School – trips to and from school (school commute)
Personal – trips for personal, non-work reasons (appointments, errands, shopping, going to the park, visiting with family and friends, etc.)

6. How do I customize "Your Stats": When you are logged into the trip calendar, the "Your Stats" banner is located at the top of the Calendar page. You can view your achievements for different periods of time by selecting from the This Month, This Year, All Time, or Custom buttons. The Custom selection allows you to select your own dates for the achievement calculation. You can choose which trip purposes are included in your achievement calculation by using the gear icon.

7. How are achievements calculated?: Based on trips you have logged in the trip calendar, and your selections for time period and trip purposes to include, your achievements will calculate your dollar, gasoline, and CO2e savings, as well as trips not driven alone and miles not driven alone. The dollar, gasoline, and CO2e savings represent the difference in cost, gallons of gasoline, and greenhouse gas emissions between driving alone and other modes. The numbers used in calculating the savings for each travel mode were drawn from a document that was developed by WSDOT in collaboration with transportation planners statewide.
How Achievements are Calculated

8. How do I count my Compressed Work Week Schedule?: Track only the days that you have off from work because of a compressed work week schedule. For example if you work 4-10 hour days and take Friday off, because of your compressed schedule, then select only Friday as Compressed Work week day off (CW). This mode is not available to part-time work schedules.

9. Are other types of foot-powered transportation eligible under the "walking" category?: Yes, as long as it is a method of transportation where the foot is in contact with the ground, it is eligible in the "walking" category. This includes mobility aids such as wheelchairs and walkers, skateboards, jogging, rollerblading, and non-motorized scooters, as long as the trip replaces a drive-alone vehicle trip. It does not include Segways.

10. Can I be entered to win prizes for all types of trips?: It depends. Each prize drawing is associated with a different campaign. Each campaign has its own criteria for which trip purposes or modes make a user eligible for the prize drawing (providing they did not opt-out of prize drawings). Some campaigns focus on commute trips by any non-drive alone mode (e.g. Wheel Options). Some campaigns focus on a certain mode (e.g. Bike Month). Check our campaign eligibility page for details.

11. Are there any tax consequences for being a prize winner?

As stated by the IRS, subject to certain exceptions, the cash value of prizes or awards won in a drawing, quiz show program, beauty contest, or other event, must be included on the tax return as taxable income. Taxpayers must also report the fair market value of merchandise or products won as a prize or award, as taxable income.

Ride Together Pierce and partnering organizations will comply with the IRS reporting requirements for prize winners. According to the IRS instructions, the organization must submit a Form 1099-MISC for any person receiving over $600 in prizes and awards. Recipients of prizes qualifying for a 1099-MISC must agree to provide the information necessary for the 1099-MISC in order to receive their prize; they should expect to receive their forms in time to file their appropriate tax returns.

12. I'm not interested in prizes or material rewards. How do I opt-out of the prize drawings?: When you register as a new user, you can select the opt-out box at the bottom of the page. If you are already registered, you can edit your registration information by clicking on your name in the upper right-hand corner, and then clicking on account. Change your preference by clicking or unclicking No Prizes at the bottom of your Profile page.

13. What if I drive a hybrid or electric vehicle?: If there is more than one person (16+ old) in the car for the commute, then the hybrid or electric vehicle may count as a carpool. Driving alone in a hybrid or electric vehicle may reduce fuel usage and emissions, but does not reduce traffic congestion. Therefore, driving alone in a hybrid or electric vehicle is not an eligible non-drive alone trip.

14. Why are motorcycles and mopeds not included as an alternative mode?: A goal of the program is to encourage transportation methods that reduce traffic congestion. Even given the relative size of a motorcycle to a car, they are still a vehicle using our roadways. We believe that the best way to encourage people to use fewer vehicles overall is to encourage walking, biking, ridesharing, or riding the bus or train. Another goal of the program is to reduce air pollution. According to the EPA, current motorcycle engines pollute at a rate 90 times higher per mile than passenger cars or even a large sport utility vehicle. More information on this issue may be found through the Environmental Protection Agency's website. A motorcycle qualifies as a carpool only if more than one person is riding the same cycle.
Environmental Protection Agency-Motorcycles

15. What if I use a motorized scooter or power-assisted bicycle?: Power-assisted bicycles qualify as a bicycle. Motorized scooters such as Razor scooters are not included.

16. What is Ride Together Pierce?: Ride Together Pierce is your one-stop center for connecting community members and businesses to accessible and affordable transportation options in Pierce County. On this website, you will discover new ways to travel all of your trips, link to services to help with your transportation decisions and find information about providing a commute options program at your worksite.

17. Who sponsors Ride Together Pierce?: Ride Together Pierce is a cooperative program sponsored by Pierce County and the City of Tacoma. All of our programming and resources are paid through state and federal grants.

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Vanpool FAQs

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1. What are the benefits of vanpooling?

Join a vanpool group and enjoy the many benefits:

Save money through a reduced monthly or daily fare.
Budget easier by knowing exactly how much your commute will cost each month.
Speed up your commute by using HOV lanes.
Contribute positively to the environment by reducing the number of cars on the road and lowering carbon emissions.
Have fun socializing, singing vanpool karaoke, listening to podcasts, or catching up on social media (if you’re not the driver!).

2. How does a vanpool compare to rideshare services like Uber or Lyft?

A vanpool is a more budget-friendly option than Uber or Lyft. Vanpooling is a fraction of the cost and you don’t have to worry about paying higher fees during high-volume periods.

Vanpool services are also consistent and reliable options. You know where and when you will be picked up by your ride, without the worry of being canceled on by a driver.

3. Can I participate in a vanpool if I don’t commute Monday through Friday?: Yes! You can ride in a vanpool as often as you need, one to five days a week, as long as you have a set start and end time. Want to try out vanpooling without making a full-time commitment? You can ride in a vanpool for $10-$20 a day.

4. How can I start a vanpool?

We’re excited you’re interested in starting a vanpool! Although each transit agency will have their own specific paperwork to complete, here are some general guidelines to get started:

Recruit a group of 3 to 15 riders.
Determine a route and schedule.
Agree on pick up and drop off points, or if you’ll meet at a Park and Ride lot.
Choose a primary driver, a backup driver and a bookkeeper to track daily ridership and miles.
Contact the transit agency vanpool program of your choice based on your commute area.
Submit documentation and wait for approval.
The drivers and bookkeeper will complete training offered by the transit agency.
Get started on your vanpool!

Your local vanpool program website has more specific information available, including contact information if you need assistance: Pierce Transit's Vanpool Program, Community Transit’s Vanpool Program, Intercity Transit's Vanpool Program, King County Metro's Vanpool Program, Kitsap Transit's Vanpool Program

5. What are the benefits of vanpooling?

Join a vanpool group and enjoy the many benefits:

Save money through a reduced monthly or daily fare.
Budget easier by knowing exactly how much your commute will cost each month.
Speed up your commute by using HOV lanes.
Contribute positively to the environment by reducing the number of cars on the road and lowering carbon emissions.
Have fun socializing, singing vanpool karaoke, listening to podcasts, or catching up on social media (if you’re not the driver!).

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Vanpool Resources FAQs

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1. How does a vanpool work?

A vanpool is a group of 3 to 15 riders sharing a van ride that starts and ends at similar points. Each vanpool needs a volunteer driver, back-up driver and a bookkeeper. Vanpool participants don’t have to work at the same location, but being close in proximity can help ease the commute time and mileage.

The cost of the vanpool is split between the riders, and you benefit from the savings of not operating a daily commuter vehicle. Vanpool vans are owned, maintained, managed, insured and licensed by transit agencies.

2. How much does a vanpool cost?

There are a variety of factors that will determine your vanpool fare. The transit agency, the number of days you want to commute, the mileage of your commute, and the number of people in your van will all contribute to your vanpool fare.

You can check out the Pierce Transit vanpool fares here or the Intercity Transit vanpool fares here. Riding with a different transit authority? You can find vanpool fare information on their websites using the links in the LEARN section above.

There may also be discounts available through your work by choosing to vanpool to work. Contact your HR, Employee Transportation Coordinator (ETC) or your transportation team to find out if your employer provides a transportation benefit for vanpooling.

3. Where does the vanpool ride start and end?

If starting a new vanpool group, the group will decide together what’s the best route and schedule, including the pick-up and drop off for each rider. Many groups choose to meet in a conveniently central location, such as a Park and Ride lot, to reduce overall commute time and mileage.

If you match with an existing vanpool, discuss the options available based on the existing travel route and see what modifications can be made to incorporate you comfortably into the vanpool.

4. What happens if the vanpool breaks down?: In the rare occurrence that your vanpool breaks down, your transit authority is ready to help. Contact the transit authority of your vanpool right away. They will dispatch technicians and, if needed, a replacement vehicle as soon as possible. You may also need to call your work to let them know about the situation.

5. What is the difference between a vanpool, a vanshare and a carpool?

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Walk FAQs

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1. How can I stay motivated to walk regularly as part of my commute?

Some great ways to stay motivated to walk are to:

Track your steps using a pedometer or fitness tracker application on your phone — reach daily, weekly or monthly steps goals to keep you motivated!
Join a monthly walking challenge like Ride Together Pierce’s Walk Everywhere Challenge. Log your trips, connect to other walkers and compete for prizes.
Track your savings! Use a calculator to enter in some details about your commute to see how much walking saves you and stay motivated to keep saving money and reducing your environmental impact.

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Walking Resources FAQs

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1. How do I plan a pedestrian-friendly walking route?

Google Maps can help you plan a pedestrian-friendly route from point A to B, including a time estimation. Or plan your own route with the Tacoma-Pierce County Walking Guide and additional trails map, which have information about each trail’s terrain, distance and surface so you know what to expect and can plan around your needs.

2. What can I do to increase safety while walking?

Safety is one of the top concerns for pedestrians, especially if they are walking alone. You’ll want to keep these tips in mind to keep you safe while walking:

Choose a route that is frequented by other pedestrians, bikers, etc. There is safety in numbers.
Be aware of your surroundings. It’s best not to be distracted by your phone or wear earphones. Being aware and alert helps you avoid being a target.
If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic and in a single file line.
Check out these 11 Rules for Staying Safe While Walking.

3. How do I find walking partners in my area?: Ask around to find a walking buddy! Friends, family, co-workers, neighbors and other people in your community may share your excitement for walking, but want a buddy to go with them. You can also find walking meetups through sites like Facebook, such as this Tacoma walking group.

4. How can I find popular walking trails in Pierce County?

You don’t have to search, we have them here for you! Enjoy popular trails and walking routes in Pierce County as part of your commute or as a way to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful sights! Check out the Tacoma-Pierce County Walking Guide and additional trails map.

5. What are the benefits of walking?

Walking is one of the best ways to exercise your body!

Walking 30 minutes to and from work each day can help to:

Reduce the risk of heart attack
Lower blood pressure and cholesterol
Help to control weight

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Work From Home FAQs

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1. How can I implement work from home at my workplace?

Once you’ve determined if teleworking is right for your role, start by giving a remote work request to your manager. There are plenty of ways to go about this; you could propose a trial basis or a hybrid model where you work from home part-time.

You can then work with your employer to develop a plan that meets your needs and the needs of the organization.

Lastly, Ride Together Pierce is here for you! We have helped employees and employers adopt successful work from home arrangements. For more information, please contact us here.

2. What are the benefits of working from home (teleworking) for employers?

It also means employers can expand their talent pool and look outside of their region for the most qualified candidates. Because teleworking is so accessible, it also gives opportunities to people with disabilities who are unable to work onsite.

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