Elliot Kim
Sound Transit offers a seamless travel experience by accepting ORCA cards as a convenient payment method for riders across the Puget Sound region. ORCA cards are widely accepted on buses, trains, streetcars, and ferries, making it easy for passengers to pay for their trips using this single card. With the tap-and-go functionality, riders can simply tap their ORCA card on the yellow card reader when boarding and exiting to have the correct fare calculated and deducted from their account. ORCA cards are also available for youth, seniors, and riders with disabilities, offering reduced fares or free rides to cater to diverse rider needs. The ORCA system continues to undergo improvements, ensuring that riders have access to updated features and an enhanced transit experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| ORCA Card Usage | Tap ORCA card on a yellow card reader before boarding Link light rail, RapidRide, Swift, the Sounder commuter train, and the Seattle Streetcar |
| Tap your ORCA card again to complete the trip when you exit Sounder | |
| Show your ORCA card to attendants when boarding Washington State Ferries | |
| The loading agent or cashier will note or scan your card when boarding the Water Taxi, Kitsap Ferries, Zip Shuttle, the Seattle Center Monorail, Via to Transit, and Trailhead Direct | |
| ORCA cards can be used for payment on all participating agencies and all modes of transportation | |
| ORCA card users can access new features via the myORCA website or smartphone app | |
| ORCA cards can be registered online or via the myORCA smartphone app | |
| ORCA cards can be reloaded with cash at vending machines, customer service locations, and participating retailers | |
| ORCA cards are accepted by six different transit agencies and the Washington State Ferry system | |
| ORCA cards can be used for touch-free payment on Sound Transit buses and trains | |
| ORCA cards are not required for youth aged 18 and under, who can ride for free on Sound Transit services |
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What You'll Learn
Where to tap your ORCA card
The ORCA card is a regional transit card that can be used on many of the transit agencies in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area. It is accepted on buses, trains, streetcars and ferries.
When it comes to where to tap your ORCA card, it depends on the mode of transportation you are using. Here are the specific locations for tapping your card:
Buses, Trains, and Light Rail
Before boarding buses, trains, or the Link light rail, look for the yellow card readers typically located outside or on the platform. Tap your ORCA card on these readers to pay your fare.
Sounder Commuter Train
When using the Sounder commuter train, you will also tap your ORCA card on the yellow card reader before boarding. However, don't forget to tap your card again when you exit the train to complete the trip.
Seattle Center Monorail and Seattle Streetcar
For the Seattle Center Monorail and the Seattle Streetcar, you will need to present your ORCA card to the loading agent or cashier, who will either scan or manually note your card.
Water Taxi, Kitsap Ferries, and Other Services
When boarding the Water Taxi, Kitsap Ferries, Zip Shuttle, Via to Transit, and Trailhead Direct, your ORCA card will be scanned or inspected by the loading agent or cashier.
It's important to note that there may be some exclusions or special instructions for certain trips, such as on Washington State Ferries. Always be sure to have your ORCA card readily available when using any form of public transportation in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area.
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ORCA card cost calculation
ORCA cards are accepted on buses, trains, streetcars and ferries. They are also the only payment method for transferring between trains, buses and streetcars. The ORCA card will automatically track paid fares and transfers, so you don't have to.
The cost of your trip is calculated and deducted from your account. Sounder fares are calculated based on the distance travelled. Remember to tap your ORCA card on the yellow card reader at the start of your trip and your destination, or you will be charged the highest fare from your origin. On buses and Link, tap the reader by the driver when boarding or at the station. You do not need to tap out on a bus or light rail ride.
ORCA LIFT is a low-income adult fare available to adult riders with a gross household income of no more than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. ORCA LIFT cards are issued to qualified riders, with the same features as other ORCA cards. You can load E-purse value to pay for trips one at a time or load a monthly PugetPass that lets you take unlimited trips for that calendar month.
For seniors and riders with disabilities, the Regional Reduced Fare Permit (RRFP) simplifies travel around Puget Sound. Senior riders aged 65 and above and riders with disabilities can obtain an RRFP card at no fee. Youth riders with disabilities who are 18 and under should get a Youth ORCA card to travel for free.
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Youth fares
Youth aged 6-18 can sign up for a Youth ORCA card and ride for free. Children aged 5 and under can also ride for free when accompanied by a paying adult. Youth with disabilities who qualify for a Regional Reduced Fare Permit can complete the application for a PCA. If approved, a PCA can ride for free with the youth, who will then receive a sticker to place on their Youth ORCA card. Youth ORCA cards are available online at myORCA.com or via the MyORCA app for iPhone or Android, as well as at transit agency customer service locations.
To order a Youth ORCA card online, you will need to upload a copy of your K-12 student ID, state ID, driver's license, birth certificate, or passport to confirm your age. Youth 18 and younger can also ride for free by showing a student ID or by simply boarding. However, tapping a Youth ORCA card is encouraged on every service and is required for free transit when riding the Seattle Center Monorail. Youth without a valid Youth ORCA card will need to purchase a ticket to ride the Monorail.
The ORCA card will automatically track paid fares and transfers, so you don't have to. The card tracks your rides and deducts the correct fare each time you tap. When your E-purse balance gets low, simply add value online, at a kiosk, or in person at an ORCA customer service office. You can also reload your card online at myORCA.com, with the myORCA app, or at one of the many locations where ORCA cards are sold.
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Reduced fares
Sound Transit accepts ORCA cards as a method of payment for fares. ORCA cards are valid on buses, trains, streetcars, and ferries. To pay, tap your ORCA card on a yellow card reader outside or on the platform before boarding Link light rail, RapidRide, Swift, the Sounder commuter train, and the Seattle Streetcar.
ORCA LIFT is a reduced fare program for low-income riders in King County, Washington. The card offers a $1.00 reduced fare on Metro and many other transit systems in the region. To qualify for the ORCA LIFT program, your gross household income must be no more than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, as established by the U.S. Health and Human Services Department. Individuals receiving Apple Health Medicaid, WIC, and Basic Food are also eligible for the program.
The ORCA LIFT card is valid for two years from the date of receipt and can be renewed for another two years upon expiration. Youth aged 18 and under can ride most transit in the region at no cost. Additionally, senior riders aged 65 and above, riders with disabilities, Medicare cardholders, and U.S. military personnel with ID are eligible for a Regional Reduced Fare Permit.
It is important to note that some agencies do not offer reduced fares with the ORCA LIFT card, and you may need to pay the full fare on those trips using your E-purse or a pre-loaded PugetPass.
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ORCA card registration
ORCA cards are accepted on Sound Transit services. You can use your ORCA card to pay for trips on all participating agencies and all modes of transportation.
If you are a senior or a rider with a disability, you can apply for a Regional Reduced Fare Permit (RRFP) card on the Reduced Fare Portal or at an ORCA customer service office. Senior riders can also obtain an RRFP card by mailing the application to the customer service office. Youth riders with disabilities who are 18 and under should apply for a Youth ORCA card, which allows them to travel for free.
For low-income residents, reduced fares are offered through the ORCA LIFT Program. This program is available to residents with a household income less than or equal to 200% of the federal poverty level. If you qualify, you will receive an ORCA LIFT card registered to your name, which functions the same as a regular ORCA card.
Additionally, residents of King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties enrolled in specific state benefit programs can obtain a subsidized annual pass for travel on select transit services in the region.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Sound Transit accepts ORCA cards as a form of payment for fares on buses, trains, streetcars, and ferries.
The process for using your ORCA card varies depending on the mode of transportation. For Link light rail, RapidRide, Swift, Sounder commuter trains, and the Seattle Streetcar, tap your ORCA card on a yellow card reader before boarding. For the Water Taxi, Kitsap Ferries, Zip Shuttle, Seattle Center Monorail, Via to Transit, and Trailhead Direct, a loading agent or cashier will scan or note your card.
The ORCA card offers several advantages for Sound Transit riders. It provides a touch-free payment option, calculates the cost of your trip and deducts the fare automatically, and allows for easy transfers between different forms of transit. Additionally, ORCA cards are widely accepted by multiple transit agencies and offer various fare options, including reduced fares for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income riders.
