McChord Air Expo 2008 public transit routes expanded

In response to the huge turnout for Pierce Transit's offer of free rides to McChord Air Expo 2008, Pierce Transit is adding a free route to the Sunday expo. Guests may now also ride from the Tacoma Dome Station, at Puyallup Avenue and East G St.

Pierce Transit is still offering free rides from the Lakewood Towne Center, Southeast corner, and State Route 512 Park and Ride. All routes will run busses every 15 minutes from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. inbound and outbound. Transit will stop temporarily while the Thunderbirds perform, at about 3 p.m. Routes will resume outbound-only after the Thunderbirds end their performance.

Base officials encourage guests to take advantage of the free shuttles or to carpool, and to arrive early. The McChord main gate opens at 8 a.m. There are dozens of static aircraft, vendors and activities to enjoy at that time. Flying starts at 11 a.m.

From the North:

Drive south on I-5 until you reach exit 125. Take a left at the exit's stoplight onto Bridgeport Way. Stay on Bridgeport Way until you reach McChord's main gate.

From the South:

Drive north on I-5 until you reach exit 123. Take a right onto N. Thorne Lane SW. Thorne Lane becomes Murray Rd. SW. Take a left onto 150th St. SW. Turn left onto Military Rd., and enter McChord at the Barnes Gate.

Visitors arriving from the south can also take exit 125, and take a right at the exit's stoplight onto Bridgeport Way. Stay on Bridgeport Way until you reach McChord's main gate.

From the East:

Drive west on WA-512 towards Tacoma, and merge onto I-5 south until you reach exit 125. Take a left at the exit's stoplight onto Bridgeport Way. Stay on Bridgeport Way until you reach McChord’s main gate.

From Parkland, Spanaway, or other communities with an easy access of Pacific Avenue South:

From Pacific Ave S., turn westward onto Military Road and follow it around until you reach McChord's South gate.

Ft. Lewis Park and Ride:

Department of Defense ID cardholders may park and ride from Ft. Lewis'Madigan Army Medical Center to the McChord Air Expo both days of the expo. Parking for the expo will be in the Madigan parking lots near Fitzsimmons road; busses will run continuously to and from the expo from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Again, this park and ride is available for Department of Defense ID cardholders only.