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 Residential – Loop

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

How It Works 

  1. Go to https://Sumner.Busup.com to view the service schedule and create a profile. 
  1. You can book your first rides from the website or the BUSUP phone 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 from the BusUp website and 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, not to 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 to the station, allowing passengers time to get on.  
  1. The bus picks up passengers from the Bill Heath Sports Complex parking lot in the AM, at four times, and drops off passengers at the Sumner Station.  
  1. The PM bus picks up passengers at the Sumner Station and takes them back to the Bill Heath Sports Complex, at four times.  

Current Schedule 

Initial route & schedule for the Sumner Commuter Connector. Stay tuned for updates! 

Costs 

How much does it cost?  

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

How can I pay for my ride?  

Payment is required at the time of booking. You can pay with a traditional credit card, or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) card for transportation issued by an employer. Employees can seek reimbursement from their employer for the transportation cost if they desire, but the City of Sumner and BUSUP cannot guarantee that an employer will subsidize the cost.  

We apologize, but ORCA CARDS ARE NOT ACCEPTED AS PAYMENT. This service is independent from other transit options and only available through the City of Sumner.  

Wait, what is an “FSA”? 

Many employers offer their workers the ability to set aside up to $300/month, pre-tax, in an account that is dedicated to commute-related expenses. The Sumner Commuter Connector is also eligible for workers to utilize these pre-tax funds towards the fare to save themselves money. Ask your HR department if your company offers this option! 

Is it safe for me to be submitting my credit card info?  

Your credit card is processed via Stripe, a secure payment platform, which is integrated into the desktop and mobile sites at  https://sumner.busup.com , as well as the BUSUP mobile app. Your credit card information is not saved to your account or to the website in any way. 

Is this service ADA accessible? 

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

Why take the Commuter Connector?  

With parking availability already a challenge, and with more impacts coming soon (parking impacts at Sumner Station due to new garage construction), the Commuter Connector offers a convenient and “green” alternative. Walk, bike, or park at Bill Heath, and let us handle the rest to get you to the Station in the morning, and back to your car in the evening.  

If ridership grows, the service schedule will be expanded to include more stops to the south within the City of Sumner, as well as more service times for more Sounder train arrival/departures.  

This is a pilot program, recently renewed for a second year. The City of Sumner would like to expand transit options for residents – but it needs to test the waters to understand the demand for public transportation, to ensure public resources are allocated properly.  

Info for Riders 

This is a pilot program, recently renewed for a second year. The City of Sumner would like to expand transit options for residents – but it needs to test the waters to understand the demand for public transportation, to ensure public resources are allocated properly.  

Who operates this service? 

The City of Sumner contracted with BUSUP Mobility 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 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, with upcoming construction at Sumner Station, there will be little (and eventually no) parking available at the station for the next couple years. This service should help alleviate congestion and provide a convenient parking alternative for commuters. 

How long will this service last? 

That depends on whether it gets used. This is the important test phase. If it is popular, the service will be expanded with more loops, stops, and service duration. 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. 

Contact Us

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

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