You asked, we listened.
After testing new pilot routes over the summer and collecting extensive rider feedback in August, Pacific Transit is updating their fare-free fixed-route transit services once again with new and improved routes and schedules.
Highly-demanded bus routes have returned, and Dial-a-Ride services have been fortified to support residents in areas that are underserved by fixed-route services. Increased bus frequency and strengthened regional connections will mean less wait time and easier access to areas outside of Pacific County. The locally-beloved “Shopper Shuttle” service is now being served by our public Yellow Line from Raymond to South Bend with frequent mid-day stops.
Key Changes:
- More frequent stops and less wait time
- Return of Oysterville to Ocean Park route via Brown Line
- Discontinuation of Tokeland route, to be supplemented by Dial-a-Ride for Aberdeen connection
- Extra Dial-a-Ride drivers on Wednesday for larger groups
- Return of South Bend – Bay Center – Naselle – Ilwaco route via Purple Line
- Increased mid-day stops and frequency from Raymond to South Bend via Yellow Line, to support shopping activity
- Wahkiakum will meet Pacific Transit at Naselle, allowing riders to connect to Longview and Cathlamet
A PDF version of the Fall 2025 Rider Guide is available for download now. Click here to download.
Pacific Transit remains committed to serving residents and visitors of Pacific County. We thank you for your patience and feedback as we continue to optimize operational efficiency and improve our riders’ experiences.
For current route schedules, visit our Route Schedule page. Changes or disruptions to services will be posted on the red “Rider Alerts” banner on our website, as well as on our Facebook page.
It’s All About Community!
FAQS
1. Why were the routes changed in the first place?
Previous to this summer’s changes, the routes at Pacific Transit had not been evaluated in several years. During a recent evaluation, significant operational inefficiencies and costs were identified. This indicated that it was time to take a comprehensive approach to rerouting. As with any changes, we knew it could impact riders and we knew area coverage might be less than ideal due to driver and equipment limitations. Testing the pilot routes allowed us to collect more data and better assess service needs and opportunities to improve operations.
Read our Letter from the General Manager for more comments about these changes.
2. What were the main changes?
The largest change to Pacific Transit was our recent rollout of fare-free transit. Free fixed-route services allow all riders to utilize our transit system regardless of income or distance.
We also transitioned to color-coded routes in order to make our public transit more accessible and easy to navigate, which is standard for most public transportation across the nation.
Route changes were prioritized based on rider volume, and we focused on the busiest stops and times. We introduced changes such as discontinuing routes with low ridership, introducing new routes in high-traffic areas, adding stops, and increasing bus frequency in our summer pilot routes. Testing these routes and collecting rider feedback allowed us to determine if the service area coverage and frequency would be adequate.
With the fall route launch, we will restore routes that were in high demand, add stops to several routes, increase midday and mid-week service, and make it easier to connect to other regional transit agencies. We have also ensured that Dial-a-Ride services will be able to meet transportation needs in areas with low fixed-route availability.
While we would like to provide all areas, stops, and routes, our operations are limited by the maximum coverage, lack of equipment and limited personnel. As we continue to grow and improve as an agency, we hope to expand services where it is operationally feasible.
3. When will things be “fixed”?
The next round of route adjustments will begin on September 15, 2025. Drivers will complete additional training and Pacific Transit will add staff. This will allow for increased transit frequency, including two buses for South Bend – Raymond and two buses on the Long Beach Peninsula, which will in turn shorten wait times.
4. I need to get somewhere today that you don’t have service to, what can I do?
If you need a ride not offered on the current routes, you can use the Dial-a-Ride Transit, or “DART” program. To schedule a ride, call one of our Dial-A-Ride numbers. For rides between South Bend – Raymond area to Olympia, call (360) 875-9418. For rides from Long Beach and Ilwaco to Longview, call (360) 642-9418. Please call for more information.
5. How were these changes determined? Who was included?
Changes to routes are carefully considered and implemented by Pacific Transit Executive Staff. The changes were determined by soliciting feedback from drivers and staff, as well as data from our stops, routes, ridership, and geographic areas. Read our Letter from the General Manager for more details about these decisions.
6. How will feedback be gathered from riders?
A feedback survey was shared with the community via social media and our website where riders were encouraged to share their feedback and thoughts.
Additional feedback sessions were held in August. Community members were welcome to attend and engage in constructive feedback.
7. How will changes be implemented?
In addition to using available data, the route changes in September will be based on public feedback and Pacific Transit will make every effort to accommodate as many changes as possible with our available equipment, staffing, and resources.
8. What requirements must transit agencies abide by when making route changes?
The Pacific Transit Authority Board is notified when routes are changed, as well as the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). The planning and execution of route changes falls to the transit agency’s administration. The decisions that were made regarding the recent pilot routes were executed by the Interim General Manager and the administrative team of transit professionals.
9. Why were the routes changed from the previous names to the color system?
Nationally, colors are broadly used across transit systems to make them more understandable to young or new riders. While named routes are familiar to riders, they can be more challenging to learn and understand for new riders and staff, as well as visitors who are unfamiliar with the area.
10. Where can I go on Pacific Transit’s fixed routes?
Riders can travel to most towns in Pacific County on our fixed-route services. With our newly strengthened regional connections, riders can also now access Olympia to the north, and Longview to the south. If you need to access an area that is not on one of our fare-free fixed routes, please consider using our Dial-a-Ride Transit, or “DART” service. Find more information here.
11. What if I have comments or questions?
We are always listening to our riders’ comments and questions and may open up feedback periods again in the future as we continue to fine-tune our services. If you have questions or constructive feedback, you can reach our staff by email contact@pacifictransit.org or via phone. For our Raymond-South Bend office, call (360) 875-9418 and for the peninsula, call (360) 642-9418.