Transit advocates ask Orting council to reopen talks with Sound Transit, propose town bus station

Luke Smith, speaking for the volunteer Orting Transportation Alternatives Group, presented data and asked the council to reopen discussions with Sound Transit and consider locating one or more bus stops or a small bus station in Orting.

Presentation highlights: Smith showed American Community Survey commute statistics (2021) indicating an average daily commute of about 40 minutes for Orting residents who work outside the city and said approximately 20 percent of commuters reported commutes exceeding an hour. The group also cited Orting School District capacity concerns—the district had an estimated 2,800 students and the district’s enrollment projection could exceed 5,000 students by 2033—and argued that transit service could reduce congestion during school peak periods as well as general commuting times.

Funding and relationship to Sound Transit: the group noted Orting residents pay a regional RTA (Sound Transit) tax but receive little direct service; the group urged the city to ask Sound Transit for a bus or shuttle connection and to explore whether Pierce Transit vanpool or shuttle options could be leveraged in the near term.

Local benefits: presenters argued that commuter and student transit would reduce cars on SR 162, ease peak congestion near schools and downtown, provide mobility for residents without vehicles and support connections to regional centers and employers.

Council response: council members thanked the group for the presentation, asked clarifying questions, and expressed general appreciation for the proposal. Council asked staff to note the request and evaluate next steps for engagement with Sound Transit and Pierce Transit.

What’s next: the group asked the council for authorization to pursue formal outreach to Sound Transit; staff and council did not set a firm deadline in the meeting but said the request would be added to staff work items for follow-up.