Pierce Transit is now providing shuttle services in Buckley after the emergency White River Bridge closure left Plateau residents scrambling to deal with longer commutes.
The bridge was closed on Aug. 18 when a vac truck hit the panels, causing extensive damage. The Washington State Department of Transportation and Gov. Bob Ferguson are hoping the bridge will be 100% operational by mid-November.
On Aug. 28, King County Metro began a shuttle service from the Enumclaw side of the bridge by extending Route 915, picking people up near SE Mud Mountain Road and also making a temporary stop at Enumclaw Middle School before continuing on its normal route.
Pierce Transit has now followed suit, starting a shuttle service — called the “Buckley Connector: on Sept. 11 to transport people around town (the shuttle service does not leave the city). Rides are free of charge.
“Transit is a true lifeline in situations like this,” Ryan Mello, Pierce County Executive and board member to Pierce Transit, said in a press release. “Even short-term transportation disruptions can have long-term impacts to anyone who misses or delays things like doctor appointments or jobs. I am deeply grateful for the partnership between Pierce Transit, Pierce County and the City of Buckley to make this shuttle service possible.”
The shuttle will be running during peak commute hours Monday through Friday, from 6 to 10 a.m. and then 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. A schedule of when the shuttle will arrive at each stop was not immediately available.
Pickup locations are below. There is no scheduled times for the Connector to reach any stop, but the loop is expected to be completed every 30 minutes:
- River Road and Cemetery Road
- Mount Rainier Creamery (out front on SR 410)
- Buckley Shopping Center (Jefferson Ave. and SR 410)
- Buckley Library (in front by bike racks and benches)
- Grocery and Post Office (in parking lot)
- New Buckley City Hall (811 Main St)
- River Road and Cemetery Road
These shuttle vehicles are wheelchair accessible, and have bike racks on the front.
Stop locations may be altered in the future based on need.
“The closure of the White River Bridge has created significant challenges for our community,” said Buckley Mayor Beau Burkett. “This temporary shuttle service will help ease the burden on our residents by improving access to jobs, schools, healthcare, and everyday necessities in both Enumclaw and Buckley. We encourage residents in both cities — as well as across Pierce and King counties — to continue visiting and supporting businesses on both sides of the river during this disruption. We are especially grateful to Executive Ryan Mello, Councilmember Dave Morrell, and their team’s quick action in making this service possible, as well as to our partners at Pierce Transit for their commitment to helping our community through this challenging time.”
The shuttle service will be available until repairs to the White River Bridge are complete.
