Our online utility bill pay system is currently down. The software vendor is looking into the issue. In the meantime, we will not proceed with shut-offs as scheduled for 2/28/23 and will update the timeline when the system returns. You can still pay by credit card, check or cash at City Hall.

Sumner Commuter Connector Industrial – Loop

This service connects regional Sound Transit trains with Sumner industrial businesses, providing the link needed to move employees efficiently to and from work by climate-friendly transit options. 

How It Works 

Option 1: Full Business Participation 

This option is best for employees as the bus can legally enter your parking lot for the most convenient service. It’s also a beneficial way for your business to signal support for multi-modal commuting options. 

  1.  If you own/represent a business in Sumner’s Manufacturing Industrial Center, sign up by contacting Will Hutchison, Operations Manager via usa@busup.com. Once your business is on board, your employees individually sign up to ride the Connector by going to https://sumner.busup.com and creating a profile. Then, they can book rides from our website. 
  1. Similar to other ride-share programs, employees also have the option to download the BusUp app and reserve rides that way.  
  1. The Connector meets Sounder trains at the appointed times. If a train is delayed, don’t worry! The bus picks up riders at Sumner Station every 20-minutes so riders can simply catch the next bus. If neither Southbound nor Northbound trains have arrived before the shuttle’s departure time, the bus will wait the extra few minutes until the train arrives at the station, allowing passengers time to get on. The Connector then drops employees off at their worksite and brings them back to the station again when it is time to return home. 

Option 2: Commuter Direct Participation 

If you work for a Sumner company that isn’t signed up, for any reason, you can still ride the bus! The difference is that you will exit at the existing business closest to yours. The bus can’t legally enter your facility to drop you off right at your door. Here’s how you can get on board:   

  1. Go to https://Sumner.Busup.com to view the service schedule and create a profile. 
  1. You can book your rides from the website or the BusUp app. You can book for the exact date/time you need service, even if that varies throughout the week.  
  1. Your ticket to get onto the bus is available within the app. If you are uncomfortable using an app, you can continue to book your rides directly through the website and then show the driver your ticket from your phone’s web browser or a paper printout.  
  1. The Connector meets Sounder trains at the appointed times. If a train is delayed, don’t worry! If neither Southbound or Northbound trains have arrived before the shuttle’s departure time in the PM, or if no passengers have boarded the shuttle before the departure time, the bus will wait the extra few minutes until the train arrives at the station, allowing passengers time to get on.  
  1. Share with your HR department about how easy and convenient the service is for you and encourage your business to sign up (Option 1).  

Current Schedule

 Route & schedule for the Sumner Commuter Connector

Costs 

The cost to ride the Commuter Connector is $3 per ride. 

Riders pay when they book their ride, but some set up is necessary. You can pay online via www.Sumner.BusUp.com (available on desktop or mobile) or via the BusUp mobile app.  

Note: You must first set up an account on the website and purchase your first ticket before being able to access you account in the BusUp mobile app. 

Participating businesses can choose to subsidize your fare either fully or partially. That choice is up to business.  

Many employers offer their workers a $300/month, pre-tax account that is dedicated to commute-related expenses. If this is your situation, the Commuter Connector is an eligible service, and you can pay for this Connector from your account. 

Employers who pay (fully or partially) for their workers will receive monthly invoices from BusUp. Employers who do not pay fares will receive no costs or invoice as the City of Sumner has funded this pilot project service to make participating simple and cost-effective.  

What Sumner companies are on board already? 

  • Amazon 
  • REI 
  • LKQ Automotive 
  • The Truss Company 
  • Dillanos 
  • National Oak 

Is this service ADA accessible? 

Yes, with advanced notice. Please contact Will Hutchison at usa@busup.com for more information.  

Who operates this service? 

The City of Sumner contracted with BusUp to provide this connection. BusUp operates similar services throughout the world. Founded in Spain, and now operating in five major cities across the United States, BusUp contracts mainly with private employers in Seattle to provide similar employee shuttle services. This is the first contract with a municipality in the United States. 

Why is the City of Sumner trying this service? 

Traffic congestion throughout Sumner is our residents’ top concern. The best way to alleviate congestion is to reduce the number of vehicles on our roads, especially at peak commute times. For each person who rides this bus, that’s one less vehicle in front of you through Sumner. Plus, Sumner businesses routinely tell us that their greatest challenge to recruiting staff is easy access to their companies. This service should help alleviate both issues. Now in its second year, the service is not seeing ridership as the Council had hoped.  

How long will this service last? 

That depends on whether it gets used. This is the important test phase. If it is popular, the businesses using it will replace the City’s initial investment and provide a sustainable funding model for service to continue and grow. If it goes unused, there is no reason for the City to continue funding it, and it will not be renewed in its existing form beyond 2024.  

Why Sumner businesses should sign-up as soon as possible. 

This is a pilot program, recently renewed for a second year. The viability of the program (and its benefits to area commuters) depends on Sumner businesses joining the program without any financial commitment, so that their employees can utilize this service. It’s important to contact Will Hutchison at usa@busup.com as soon as possible to get your business on the list: by doing so, the service can be tailored to your employee work schedules. And, the City of Sumner will have an accurate idea if this service is viable into the future or not. You’ll be next in line when service expands to get your employees connected for easy access to transit. 

Contact Us

If you have further questions please contact Ryan Windish at 235.299.5524 or email: ryanw@sumnerwa.gov .

Skip to content