The Winter Olympics aren’t until next year, but local efforts are already being made to ensure the games are a success.
Pierce Transit is responding to a request from the Salt Lake Organizing committee (SLOC) by providing 13 buses to the 2002 Winter Olympic Games to assist with the transportation needs at the games.
These vehicles, 1987 Orion, diesel powered, 40-foot coaches, are a part of the Pierce Transit reserve fleet and will be used to shuttle spectators to venues in the Salt Lake City area.
Transit agencies from around the United States are also assisting in this effort.
Pierce Transit is the first transit agency to release vehicles for shipment.
The buses left Tacoma Friday, October 26, for the 850-mile trip aboard semi-truck trailers.
Shipment will be completed by the second week in November.
Prior to shipment, the buses were inspected, services and cleaned by Pierce Transit Maintenance Department personnel.
As part of the agreement with the SLOC, service manuals, wiring diagrams, some minor parts and spare tires were also provided.
The SLOC will pay Pierce Transit $250 per bus, plus 2 cents per mile logged during the games.
Pierce Transit also agreed to allow the buses to remain in Salt Lake City for the Special Olympics that will occur after the Winter Games.
The buses should arrive back in Tacoma next April.
Each bus will display a commemorative plaque recognizing Pierce Transit’s contribution to the 2002 Winter Olympic Games.
Pierce Transit is the public transportation agency for Pierce County, Washington, providing local and regional express bus service, vanpools, rideshare services and specialized transportation for people with disabilities.
Last year, the agency provided more than 14.6 million passenger trips.