Public Transport
Basics on Public Transport
The easiest option for paying for public transit is to get an Orca Card. An Orca Card is a reusable card that you load with money and then use to ride most forms of public transit in the area. More information is here: https://www.myorca.com
Resources
- This website has instructions on how to get on a bus and open a card: https://www.seattle.gov/transportation/getting-around/transit
- This app is helpful for navigating public transport: https://onebusaway.org
Maps
- Kent Map
- Downtown Seattle
- Sea-Tac
- Light Rail map
- If you’re outside of the Seattle area, this map will show you which transit authority manages public transportation in your region: http://tinyurl.com/mapwashington
Reduced-Fare Transit Passes
Reduced-fare Orca cards are available for seniors (over 65), youth (6-18), people with disabilities, low-income individuals, and people who qualify for another state benefit (more information below).
Public transit is free for people 18 and younger. This includes services like King County Metro buses, Sound Transit Link light rail, and other regional transit options. Youth can simply board without paying or tap a free Youth ORCA card if they have one.
To apply for reduced-fare or Free Youth Orca cards, visit: https://reducedfare.kingcounty.gov/en-US
If you already are qualified for one of the following state benefits, then you can apply for a subsidized annual pass here: https://kingcounty.gov/depts/transportation/metro/fares-orca/subsidized-annual-pass.aspx
Residents of King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties who are at or below 80% of the federal poverty level and are enrolled in one of six state benefit programs can obtain a subsidized annual pass valid for travel on King County Metro and Sound Transit services. Eligible customers can receive a subsidized annual pass at DSHS, Public Health, and Catholic Community Services across King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties.
Currently, the six state benefit programs are:
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)/State Family Assistance (SFA)
- Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)
- Aged, Blind, or Disabled Cash Assistance (ABD)
- Pregnant Women Assistance (PWA)
Not to be confused with WIC or Pregnancy Medical - Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Not to be confused with Social Security Income or SSDI - Housing & Essential Needs (HEN)
Not to be confused with housing assistance such as HUD