Free transportation to Pierce County Cooling Centers is designed to protect residents from the heat.
Pierce County, Washington — as high temperature With hot weather expected to hit the Puget Sound region on Tuesday, the Pierce Department of Transportation is working with the Pierce County Department of Human Services to help residents get relief from the heat.
The South Puget Sound is expected to be the warmest area of western Washington on Tuesday, with temperatures reaching the upper 80s and possibly approaching 90 degrees, according to the KING 5 First Alert weather team.
Pierce Transportation will provide free transportation to local cooling centers and shelters throughout the day. This offer includes rides on Pierce Transit buses, Runner service and SHUTTLE paratransit service.
Free rides are available from the start of service until the end of service on June 2. Passengers who tell their driver they are traveling to or from a cooling center or shelter can receive free round-trip transportation throughout the day and evening.
The program is designed to help people who need transportation escape the heat and find shelter during hot weather.
Shelters and cooling centers are available in several Pierce County communities, including Tacoma, Lakewood, Puyallup, Parkland and Gig Harbor.
For more information about available cooling centers and shelters, visit Pierce County Homeless Emergency Shelter Availability Web page.
Tuesday’s high temperature is expected to be about 15 to 20 degrees above Puget Sound’s normal high temperature of 68 degrees for this time of year.
The high temperatures are expected to be short-lived, with highs dropping starting Wednesday and heading towards the end of the week. High temperatures are expected to return to the 70s on Wednesday and drop into the 60s on Saturday.
