Pierce Transit Offers Discounted Bus Passes for Kids This Summer

The following information is courtesy of Bethel School District website.

Youth 18 and younger are eligible to purchase a three-month Pierce Transit Summer Youth Pass that is good for unlimited rides on local Pierce Transit service beginning June 1 through Aug. 31, for only $36.  

This is a savings of $45 over buying three $27 youth fare monthly passes. The Summer Youth Pass must be loaded on a youth ORCA card. A $5 fee will be charged for the card itself.

There are two ways to purchase a youth ORCA card: Visit a Pierce Transit Customer Service office or go to www.orcacard.com to order by mail. Both methods require proof of age for the youth.

If the youth already has a personal youth ORCA card, you may load a Summer Youth Pass online, at ticket vending machines, at Bus Shop locations, or at a participating retailer. (If the youth has a youth ORCA card issued by a school or other organization, a separate youth ORCA card may be needed; contact the issuing organization for details.)

All year round, youth 18 and younger are eligible for Pierce Transit’s youth fare of 75¢ cash and a $27 youth fare monthly pass. Teenagers should carry identification that shows their age as bus operators may ask to confirm the youth’s age for eligibility.

Editor's Note: Closer to home, with the absence of regular Pierce Transit service in Sumner and Bonney Lake, some needs are being met by the free Beyond the Borders Connector provided by Pierce County Community Connections. The Connector runs on two routes in each city plus a connector route linking both Sumner and Bonney Lake. While the service is only offered to qualified riders - seniors, disabled and low income - it is also open to youths who may need to travel to access summer jobs but have no other means to do so. Visit http://www.piercecountywa.org/index.aspx?nid=1269 for more information.

For more information about the Pierce Transit Summer Youth Pass and detailed information on bus routes and schedules, pick up The Bus Stops Here book on board a Pierce Transit bus or at Bus Shop locations, visit the Pierce Transit website, or call Pierce Transit Customer Service at 253-581-8000.