Transit riders may get a seat on the Pierce Transit Board

For those of us who don’t drive, riding transit isn’t just about getting from point A to point B – it’s a lifeline to independence. Transit means the freedom to connect with our community, to pursue opportunities, and to live full lives, even without a car. But that freedom comes at a cost. It means sometimes carefully timing a sprint across a busy street to catch a bus that runs only once an hour, bracing against the wind and rain without a bus shelter, or feeling the weight of groceries digging into your hands as you walk a mile home.

It’s the frustration of a late bus costing you a job interview, or the lack of shade on a scorching summer day. These aren’t just inconveniences; they’re real barriers that impact our daily lives. They disproportionately affect vulnerable residents, further pushing low-income residents, seniors, and people with disabilities to the margins.

For too long, decisions about our transit system and our streets have been made by people who don’t experience these challenges each day. But that’s about to change.

Thanks to a new law passed by the Washington State Legislature and signed by Governor Ferguson (HB 1418), transit agencies like Pierce Transit will have the opportunity to add two voting members to their governing boards who are actual transit riders. One will be a rider themselves, and the other may represent an organization that serves a community organization, which could bring the Board to a total of 11 voting members.

This isn’t just about having a seat at the table; it’s about bringing lived experience to the decision-making process. For years, transit boards have been almost exclusively composed of elected officials – people who often have the privilege of driving wherever they need to go and are rarely non-drivers. While their intentions are good, they may not fully understand the realities of relying on the bus every day or the nuances of rider experience.

This new law recognizes that those who use the system best understand its strengths and weaknesses - how people start their trips by walking or rolling from a home or business or public space and how they sometimes need to use multiple modes to get where they need to go. It acknowledges that a rider’s perspective is crucial when making decisions about routes, schedules, infrastructure and design standards, accessibility, and safety.

So, what does this mean for Pierce Transit? Over the coming months, the agency could take steps to implement this new law. While the exact process is still being determined, it will likely involve forming a committee to oversee the selection of rider representatives and opening up an application process. The law goes into effect on January 1, 2026, giving Pierce Transit time to prepare.

If you’re a regular Pierce Transit rider, you can make your voice heard by contacting the Board and urging them to prioritize this reform.

Now, we have a chance to be part of the conversation and build a better transit system for Tacoma, Pierce County and throughout Washington State.