The Downtown to Defiance Trolley, and its ability to connect Tacoma’s downtown core with the Ruston Way waterfront and Point Defiance has been a longtime dream of many in the city, including visitors. On June 2 at 10:30 a.m., that dream will become reality as the Trolley – formally called Route 15 – will make its inaugural run from downtown Tacoma, along Schuster Parkway, in front of Point Ruston and then to Point Defiance Park before returning back along the same route.
As increasing numbers of visitors come to Tacoma and Pierce County, more of them are arriving by train or airplane, or simply not looking to be tied to a vehicle while they enjoy their time here. The Trolley pilot project during the summer of 2017 will allow them to seamlessly connect from downtown hotels and attractions to those on the north end of the city and along the waterfront between.
For the first trip of the Downtown to Defiance Trolley, the public is invited to a special kick-off event at 9:30 a.m. at Tollefson Plaza (17th Street and Pacific Ave. in downtown Tacoma). Pierce Transit will be giving away $10 ORCA cards and commemorative lanyards to the first 50 people to arrive, and the event will be followed by the inaugural run.
For more information about the Trolley, this video gives a great preview of the ride.