tacoma-on-the-go

TOTG June Newsletter

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 17:51:12 GMT

TOTG Newsletter - June 2026

June is Ride Transit month! Join us on the 9th for our annual Transit Trivia event (details below) and take the pledge to ride transit during #RideTransitMonth. Our staff recently had lunch in the Hilltop area and enjoyed an easy ride on the T-Line from our downtown office. Read on for updates about our upcoming events, advocacy opportunities, and transportation news.

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TOTG June Newsletter

TOTG May Newsletter

Tue, 05 May 2026 17:15:23 GMT

TOTG Newsletter - May 2026

TOTG Newsletter - May 2026

On April 28th Tacoma On the Go joined the City of Tacoma in declaring May as Bike Month. On May 17th come see us at Bike Everywhere Day where we will convene with our community to celebrate all things biking. Read on for updates about our upcoming events, advocacy opportunities, and transportation news.

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Pierce County Wants Light Rail

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 22:04:13 GMT

UPDATE JUNE 2026

On May 28th, the Sound Transit Board of Directors approved a new system plan to address its predicted $35 billion budget shortfall of the next 25 years. Sound Transit is required by law to have an affordable system plan where all operation and construction can be achieved without surpassing the agency's debt capacity. The budget shortfall primarily came from significant cost increases for construction and labor, causing the planned project timeline to require taking on more debt at once than the agency is allowed to.

Read the Sound Transit press release here and more info about the Enterprise Initiative here.

Key Pierce County Takeaways

Tacoma Dome Link Extension - No delays or project reductions, set to open in 2035.
T-Line Tacoma Community College Extension - Funded for full project study, design, and construction, with a delay of 2 years. Now set to open in 2043. This project is still in the very early stages, so it is likely it will see changes in the future as study progresses.
Sounder South Extension to DuPont - Funded for full study and design, but not construction. This project is primarily on land and railway that Sound Transit owns and is eligible for a significant federal grant. It is likely that the funding gap for this project will be easy to bridge once study is completed.
Sounder South Additional Trips - While there is still significant funding to negotiate with BNSF for the ability to run more Sounder South trips on weekdays, evenings, and weekends, some of the funding was reallocated to different projects. Sound Transit will continue to negotiate with BNSF, which is a lengthy process.

Other Big News

Ballard Link Extension - Ballard is funded for full project study and design, but construction is only partially funded to the Seattle Center stop.
More work to do - Sound Transit is continuing to explore revenue options, cost savings, and policy updates that will make it easier to move projects forward quickly. This will include asking the legislature for things like increased bonding authority and permit reforms to simplify planning processes.

ACTION ALERT APRIL & MAY 2026

Sound Transit is facing a budget crisis that will impact projects across the region. While there’s a lot of nuance to what is being considered by Sound Transit (including cost saving project adjustments, new revenue sources, and internal policy updates), the most important thing you need to know is this: NOW is the time to SPEAK UP for Pierce County Projects.

TAKE ACTION NOW:

Submit our action letter telling Sound Transit to get Link to Tacoma Dome, study the next extension of the T-Line, and invest in Sounder South – or customize it with your own priorities! [Est 1 – 5 minutes] CLOSED
Sign the Build the Damn Trains Coalition’s petition telling Sound Transit to keep projects moving [Est 1 minute] CLOSED
Complete the Sound Transit Tacoma Dome Link Extension survey [Est 5 – 10 minutes] CLOSED
Attend a Tacoma Dome Link Extension open house . May 14 in Federal Way, May 18 in Fife, May 20 in Tacoma. COMPLETE
Provide virtual or in-person comments at the May 28th Sound Transit board meeting in Seattle – or send in an email! COMPLETE

The Sound Transit Board of Directors is expected to make their proposal at the May 28th board meeting, so NOW is the time to make your voice heard and let the board know that PIERCE COUNTY WANTS LIGHT RAIL!

Enterprise Initiative Proposal Update ( view proposal here ):

TOTG April Newsletter

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 16:59:43 GMT

TOTG Newsletter - April 2026

TOTG Newsletter - April 2026

Spring is here and Tacoma On the Go is out in the community! Check out our March 2026 City Line interview where we talked about our name change, upcoming events, and the Commute Trip Reduction Programs we support. Read on for updates about our upcoming events and local transportation news.

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TOTG March Newsletter

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 16:52:05 GMT

TOTG March Newsletter

TOTG Newsletter - March 2026

Events season is kicking off for Tacoma On the Go! Friday Forums are wrapping up on April 3rd, and our Walk Tacoma season is kicking off on April 15th. For news about sustainable transportation, legislative updates, and the many ways you can join the TOTG team in supporting sustainable transportation read on.

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TOTG February Newsletter

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 16:41:41 GMT

TOTG February Newsletter

TOTG Newsletter Re-launch - February 2026

Tacoma On the Go is excited to start 2026 off with a re-launch of our community newsletter! We hope this newsletter will be a resource for updating our community on all the ways you can join the TOTG team in convening and advocating for sustainable transportation.

To subscribe to our monthly newsletter, subscribe here .

2026 Spanaway Walk Audit

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 20:25:56 GMT

2026 Spanaway Walk Audit

Tacoma On the Go partnered with Pierce Transit and the Nondrivers Alliance to conduct a walk audit around the Pierce Transit Center in Spanaway, along SR-7, an area where many residents rely on transit. What we documented was deeply concerning.

Despite the presence of a brand-new transit center, basic pedestrian infrastructure is missing. There are no sidewalks, and the nearest safe crossing is a quarter mile away, forcing many non-drivers of being exposed to fast-moving traffic. This walk audit made one thing painfully clear: access to transit does not equal access to safety. If we are serious about mobility, equity, and dignity, we have to design streets for the people who rely on them, not just the cars passing through.

To partner with TOTG on a future walk audit please contact us at info@tacomaonthego.org.

Bus Rider Interviews

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 22:29:55 GMT

This summer, DOTG is asking Tacoma bus riders why they use transit: what they like, what the challenges are, what they wish non-riders understood about the bus.

Shorter versions of these videos will be posted onto DOTG’s social media, full length interviews posted here.

Check back for more videos as we head into fall!

Richard

Eileen

2025 Candidate Interviews

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 19:57:23 GMT

Tacoma Candidate Interviews 2025

In September, Tacoma On the Go invited mayor and city council candidates to talk transportation, on transit. Access to transportation options directly influences access to opportunities like jobs, school, healthcare, and recreation. We asked candidates about barriers to mobility, exciting projects in Tacoma, and funding public transit. We believe that transportation must be at the core of conversations about Tacoma’s future because it cannot be separated from conversations about housing, access, and so much more.

All ten candidates participated in the interviews and answered the same questions, which were provided in advance. Thank you to the candidates for speaking, learning, and taking transit with us!

Tacoma On the Go is not endorsing any candidates. We aim to amplify the conversation around transportation in Tacoma by sharing the candidates’ responses.

Captions are available for each video on our YouTube channel .

John Hines, Tacoma Mayor https://hinesfortacoma.org/

Anders Ibsen, Tacoma Mayor https://www.andersibsen.com/

Sarah Rumbaugh, District 2 https://www.sarahrumbaugh.com/

Ben Lackey, District 2 https://benlackey.com/

Sandesh Sadalge, District 4 https://www.electsadalge.com/

Silong Chhun, District 4 https://www.silongforcitycouncil.com/

Joe Bushnell, District 5 https://www.joebushnell.com/

Zev Cook, District 5 https://zevfortacoma.com/

Latasha Palmer, Position 6 https://latashafortacoma.com/

Jessica Johnston, Position 6 https://www.electjessica.com/

2023 Candidate Interviews

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 21:34:35 GMT

Tacoma City Council Candidate Interviews 2023

We invited candidates for Tacoma City Council to take transit and talk transportation with us. Access to transportation options directly influences access to opportunities like jobs, school, healthcare, and recreation. We asked candidates about barriers to mobility, exciting projects in Tacoma, and funding public transit. We believe that transportation must be at the core of conversations about Tacoma’s future because it cannot be separated from conversations about housing, access, and so much more. Thank you to the candidates for speaking, learning, and taking transit with us!

Captions are available for each video on our YouTube channel , and transcripts will be available soon.

Downtown On the Go is not endorsing any candidates. We aim to amplify the conversation around transportation in Tacoma by sharing the candidates’ responses. All candidates were invited to participate.

Vote by November 7th!

John Hines , Position 1 https://hinesfortacoma.org/
John Hines is running unopposed.

Jamika Scott , Position 3 https://jamikafortacoma.com/

Chris Van Vechten , Position 3 https://www.vv4d3.com/

Olgy Diaz , Position 7 https://www.votediaz.org/

Kristina Walker, Position 8 https://www.walker4tacoma.com/

Kristin Wynne , Position 7
Kristin Wynne did not respond to our requests for an interview. Learn more at: https://wynnefortacoma.com/

Todd Briske , Position 8 https://toddbriske.com/

Pedal with Politicians video blog series is now available!

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 20:43:52 GMT

Pedal with Politicians Video blog series is now available!

Over the last several weeks, some of your Tacoma City Council Members biked around Tacoma to get up close and personal with the existing (and missing) bike and trail networks in Tacoma. Since we can’t gather in person for a bike ride and discussion, their rides and stories are posted here as a video blog series, so you can see the routes and neighborhoods that your elected officials traveled, and get more familiar with infrastructure and opportunities for bike advocacy.

Chris Beale, Tacoma City Council – Position 5, South Tacoma

John Hines, Tacoma City Council – Position 1, North Tacoma

Catherine Ushka, Tacoma City Council – Position 4, East Tacoma

Kristina Walker, Tacoma City Council – Position 8

2021 Candidate Interviews

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 21:49:44 GMT

2021 Tacoma City Council Candidate Interviews

We invited candidates for Tacoma City Council and Mayor to take transit and talk transportation with us. Access to transportation options directly influences access to opportunities like jobs, school, healthcare, and recreation. We asked candidates about barriers to mobility, exciting projects in Tacoma, and funding public transit. We believe that transportation must be at the core of conversations about Tacoma’s future because it cannot be separated from conversations about housing, access, and so much more. Thank you to the candidates for speaking, learning, and taking transit with us!

Captions are available for each video on our YouTube channel , and transcripts are available at the link below each video.

Downtown On the Go is not endorsing any candidates. We aim to amplify the conversation around transportation in Tacoma by sharing the candidates’ responses. All ten candidates were asked to participate.

Vote by November 2nd!

Sarah Rumbaugh , District 2 Transcript https://www.sarahrumbaugh.com/

Kelly Blucher , District 2 Transcript https://www.kellyfortacoma.com/

Catherine Ushka , District 4 Transcript https://www.voteushka.com/

Israel McKinney , District 4
Israel McKinney did not ride the bus with us, but you can read his answers to the questions by clicking here and learn more at his website: https://www.israeljamesmckinney.com/

Joe Bushnell , District 5 Transcript https://www.joebushnell.com/

Anne Artman , District 5 Transcript https://www.anneartman.com/

Kiara Daniels , District 6 Transcript https://www.kiaradaniels.com/

Brett Johnson , District 6
Brett Johnson declined to participate. Learn more at his website: https://brettforcouncil.org/

Victoria Woodards , Tacoma Mayor Transcript https://www.victoriawoodards.com/

Steve Haverly , Tacoma Mayor Transcript https://www.stevehaverly.com/

2021 Pedal With Politicians

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 21:37:46 GMT

2021 Pedal With Politicians

In late September 2021, some of your Tacoma City Council Members, advocates, and organizations joined with Downtown on the Go to bike around Tacoma and get up close and personal with the existing (and missing) bike and trail networks in Tacoma.

We filmed the whole ride, and you can take a look at some of the presentations that were made along the way!

Ride the Bus with Hilltop Action Coalition and Tacoma Housing Authority

Thu, 27 May 2021 18:52:03 GMT

Ride the Bus with Hilltop Action Coalition and Tacoma Housing Authority

View the March 11th virtual event where we discussed housing and transit developments in Hilltop, and how they are affecting local residents. Panelists included Brendan A. Nelson, current President of the Hilltop Action Coalition, and Alyssa Torrez, a Real Estate Development Project Specialist for Tacoma Housing. DOTG’s own Advocacy & CTR Coordinator, Laura Svancarek moderated the conversation. Learn how transit and housing planning and infrastructure can lead to gentrification, and how current Hilltop residents could potentially be impacted by the current developments.

Thanks to our event sponsor Puyallup Watershed Initiative.

Join the virtual Ride the Bus event on March 11, 2021 from 3 – 4 p.m. to discuss housing and transit developments in Hilltop, and how they are affecting local residents. Downtown On the Go is looking forward to chatting with Brendan A. Nelson, a Certified Nonprofit Professional and current President of the Hilltop Action Coalition , as well as Alyssa Torrez, a Real Estate Development Project Specialist for Tacoma Housing Authority . DOTG’s own Advocacy & CTR Coordinator, Laura Svancarek will be moderating the conversation. Learn how transit and housing planning and infrastructure can lead to gentrification, and how current Hilltop residents could potentially be impacted by the current developments.

The recording will be posted on the DOTG Facebook page after the event.

This free event, sponsored by the Puyallup Watershed Initiative Active Transportation Community of Interest , is an annual Ride the Bus event that gives riders a chance to learn about transit and their community, ask questions, and have a conversation with leaders.

Ride the Bus with Pierce Transit CEO Mike Griffus

Thu, 27 May 2021 18:41:59 GMT

Ride the Bus with Pierce Transit CEO Mike Griffus

Did you miss the Nov. 3rd (virtual) Ride The Bus event? Check out the recorded conversation with Pierce Transit's newly-appointed CEO, Mike Griffus, and Ryan Wheaton, the Executive Director of Planning & Community Development). We look forward to everything coming up for local transit, and to working with Pierce Transit to ensure all services are as accessible and equitable as possible.

Join the virtual Ride the Bus event on Nov. 3, 2021 from 3 – 4 p.m. to discuss transit in Pierce County, planning and development, and riding the bus. Downtown On the Go is looking forward to chatting with Mike Griffus , Pierce Transit ’s newly-appointed CEO, as well as Ryan Wheaton, Pierce Transit’s Executive Director of Planning & Community Development. DOTG’s own Advocacy & CTR Coordinator, Laura Svancarek will be moderating the conversation. Hear from Mike about his plans and what’s ahead for Pierce Transit, issues facing transit-users today, and what can be done to improve current infrastructure.

Register in advance for this webinar. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. The recording will be posted on the DOTG Facebook page after the event.

This free event is an annual Ride the Bus event that gives riders a chance to learn about transit and their community, ask questions, and have a conversation with leaders.

2021 Parkland Walk Audit

Wed, 26 May 2021 20:23:24 GMT

2021 Parkland Walk Audit

The Parkland community has seen rapid growth in the past several decades and has proven to be the fastest growing CDP in Pierce County. Many residents have made the broad case that while Parkland’s population continues to grow, the development of physical infrastructure supporting the community has lagged. One of the clearest examples of this lag in development of physical infrastructure are the neighborhood’s sidewalks. Many streets in Parkland lack any sidewalks at all.

In 2020, the Pierce Conservation District retained a consultant with expertise in the Parkland community to engage community members in a walkability study. The consultant, a lifelong Parkland resident, convened a working committee to begin developing the scope of the walkability project. Committee representation included staff from organizations like the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, Pierce County, Pierce Conservation District, and Downtown on the Go. The working committee began efforts with a shared understanding of the need for additional sidewalk development in the community. Additionally, the committee was aware of near-future sidewalk development in the Parkland community through Pierce Transit’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) initiative.

The initial scope of the project was to produce a community informed ranked list of the streets most in need of sidewalk development in Parkland. This ranked list would be informed by responses to a community-wide survey. In the weeks of planning, the scope also grew to include two community walking audits. Work on the Parkland Walkability Assessment began in July 2020 and was completed by December 2020.

Parkland Walk Audit Video

2020 Interview Series with Ruben Casas

Fri, 26 Jun 2020 20:36:41 GMT

Interview series with Ruben Casas

Use of Parks during a Pandemic with Rubén Casas

Rubén Casas of the University of Washington Tacoma discusses how parks are used and by whom during the COIVD-19 Pandemic.

“Music: www.bensound.com” or “Royalty Free Music from Bensound”

Reclaiming Streets with Rubén Casas

Rubén Casas of the University of Washington Tacoma discusses who streets are designed for and some of the contradictions arising during the COIVD-19 Pandemic and protests demanding accountability for the murder of black people by police and other injustices.

“Music: www.bensound.com” or “Royalty Free Music from Bensound”

Transit Use after a Pandemic with Rubén Casas

Rubén Casas of the University of Washington Tacoma discusses what transit use will look like after the COVID-19 Pandemic.

“Music: www.bensound.com” or “Royalty Free Music from Bensound”

COVID-19 and Public Space with Rubén Casas

Rubén Casas of the University of Washington Tacoma discusses the long-term impacts of Tacoma’s reluctance to rethink public space.

“Music: www.bensound.com” or “Royalty Free Music from Bensound”