Are you a bus commuter? Maybe you like to go shopping up north, without having to actually drive there – we all know that stretch of I-5 is no fun! Your day has just been made as Intercity Transit announces that as of September 7, 2025, Route 620 will be replaced with two new routes, 600 and 610, to meet state-identified priorities thanks to changes in funding.
“Changes to commuter bus service represent another step in our systemwide redesign of bus routes,” shares Rob LaFontaine, Intercity Transit planning deputy director.
New Commuter Bus Routes Reduce Travel Time in Thurston County
Since 2020, Route 620 has been the only option between downtown Olympia and the SR510 Park and Ride in Lakewood. “Operating seven days a week, Route 620 connects Olympia to Pierce County with stops that include the Lakewood Sounder Station, the Martin Way Park and Ride, the Lacey Transit Center, and several stops adjacent to the Capitol Campus in Olympia,” says LaFontaine.
Intercity Transit has been analyzing its commuter service, looking for ways to better serve Thurston County and beyond. The aim of the funding is to help relieve traffic congestion by increasing transit usage. Replacing Route 620 with the new Routes 600 and 610 is a big step in that direction. “The newly enacted State Transportation Budget includes critical funding assistance specific to Intercity Transit’s commuter bus program through June 2029,” explains LaFontaine. “Without State funding, Intercity Transit would not have the resources to sustain commuter service between Thurston and Pierce counties. The introduction of Routes 600 and 610 reflects updated goals of State grant-supported commuter bus service.”
The new routes were carefully planned to expand coverage without adding travel time. It’s a balance, because too few stops make the route limited, but too many add to travel time, making it unappealing to commuters. “Service beginning in September balances this challenge by offering a pairing of bus routes,” says LaFontaine. “The design of the Route 600 offers reduced travel time, whereas the design of the Route 610 expands service coverage.” Intercity Transit worked hard to develop bus service to Pierce County and beyond that works for the commuter crowd as well as pleasure travelers.
Intercity Transit Route 600, the Lakewood Commuter
The new Intercity Transit Route 600, called the Lakewood Commuter, has an emphasis on shorter travel time. It will operate Monday through Friday between the Olympia Transit Center and the SR512 Park and Ride with limited intermediate stops, including the Martin Way Park and Ride and Lakewood Sounder Station.
These stops offer bus commuters bus-to-bus connections as well as car-to-bus connections. Morning connections to northbound Sounder trains have also been prioritized with this new route, as well as connections to northbound buses headed to SeaTac and Seattle. In the evening, Route 600 helps commuters get home from Pierce and King counties.
Intercity Transit Route 610, the Lacey Connector, Provides New Bus Service to Thurston County
Route 610, the Lacey Connector, will operate seven days a week to boost inter-county service. It will operate between the Olympia Transit Center and the SR512 Park and Ride with stops including the Lacey Transit Center, the Hawks Prairie Park and Ride, Lakewood Sounder Station, Berkeley Street – a Pierce County bus stop across Interstate-5 from JBLM’s Madigan Gate – and stops along Capitol Way in Olympia.
The new stop at the Hawks Prairie Park and Ride is a big one. With convenient access for bus commuters, adding this stop makes hopping on a bus easier for residents of Northeast Lacey.
The other unique stop is Berkley Street. From there, passengers can connect with Pierce Transit Route 206, a route with access to Madigan Hospital within JBLM. These new routes not only make commuter service more convenient, but also help passengers, and of course, military families, who need to travel north for medical or shopping needs.
“We are very thankful to our partners at Pierce Transit for their cooperation to improve access to important services for our military community,” shares LaFontaine. “Demographic research shows high concentrations of military households in Thurston County, specifically in NE Lacey, SE Lacey and Yelm.” Identifying these needs and then addressing them is what makes Intercity Transit stand out when it comes to getting cars off the road while making life easier for travelers.
Continued Updates to Intercity Transit Bus Service to Thurston County and Beyond
The changes coming September 7 are not the end, but rather just the beginning of Intercity Transit’s work. “Intercity Transit is looking next at changes to the majority of most local bus routes, which are expected to take effect in May of 2026,” explains LaFontaine. “The redesign will be centered around a new route that will operate on Martin Way, connecting west Olympia to east Lacey with frequent bus service that maximizes connections across the system. The new design builds on the changes to commuter service, including bringing new bus routes to the Hawks Prairie Park and Ride, and introducing new service to many parts of the community.”
Intercity Transit is using state funding to make changes to better serve you. So next time you need to go somewhere, catch a free ride on Intercity Transit and save yourself gas and wear-and-tear on your vehicle. Bring that book you’ve been hoping to find time for or download that podcast. It’s your time, use it for something you want to do, instead of sitting behind the wheel.
Sponsored
