Following lengthy consideration, the Pierce Transit Board of Commissioners passed a resolution directing staff to implement service reductions on September 29, 2013.
The 34% cut in service is a result of the loss of Proposition 1 in November.
"We understand these reductions will deeply impact thousands in our communities," said Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strickland, Pierce Transit board chair. "This was a difficult decision. Reducing service in September allows our riders time to make plans in advance and the agency to provide stable service."
Pierce Transit currently operates 417,000 annual service hours. The revised service plan, with the September implementation, will reduce annual service hours to approximately 275,000. The plan will be made available for riders and the public to review on the agency website shortly. Pierce Transit will distribute information through print materials, open houses, and presentations.
The agency will also provide information in the coming days regarding agency outreach efforts, and hold a public hearing on the implementation plan in May, 2013.
Elements of the reduction plan include elimination of Saturday, Sunday, and holiday service and route 62 in northeast Tacoma. Primary impacts to weekday service include reductions in service past 7:00 pm and mid-day service (9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.).