Reservations required for 'essential' bus rides in Thurston County starting next week

OLYMPIA -- Intercity Transit will transition to a reservation-only bus system for "essential trips" starting next week.

A release from Intercity Transit, which provides bus service in Olympia, Tumwater, Lacey and Yelm, says the move is in response to the state's stay-at-home order in place through May 4.

Scheduled bus service will be temporarily suspended and replaced by a reservation-based transit service. Reservations must be made 2-5 days in advance. There will be no same-day reservations.

Dial-A-Lift services will continue for qualified passengers making essential trips.

Essential trips will be vetted by the transit agency and include visits to the grocery store, pharmacy, medical appointments, and transportation for essential employees performing work for an essential business.

HOW TO MAKE A RESERVATION

"Intercity Transit will restore scheduled public transportation services when it is safe for our customers and employees to do so. We appreciate the cooperation and support of the public to limit travel to essential trips only," the agency said in a press release.