Paying transit fares
Community Transit accepts ORCA cards to pay bus fares. ORCA works on all seven of the major public transportation agencies serving this region and offers several reduced fare options for riders who qualify.
Subsidized annual pass
The subsidized annual pass works just like a regular ORCA card but allows free travel on Community Transit, King County Metro, Sound Transit, and Everett Transit. Residents of King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties, who are enrolled in one of six state benefit programs, are eligible.
ORCA LIFT
For people who don’t qualify for Subsidized Annual Pass but still need help paying transit fares, Community Transit offers reduced fares for residents with lower incomes through the ORCA LIFT program. ORCA LIFT works just like a regular ORCA card but allows eligible riders to pay a reduced fare. People with incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty level are eligible for ORCA LIFT.
How to enroll
To sign up for the ORCA LIFT program or a subsidized annual pass, riders can apply online, by phone, or at an enrollment office in your area:
- See enrollment locations near you at kingcounty.gov/lift
- Visit the Reduced Fare Portal: reducedfare.kingcounty.gov
- Call the Community Health Access Program (CHAP): 1-800-756-5437, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday (closed 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.)
In-person enrollment at the Ride Store
Learn more about reduced fare options and see if you qualify to receive an ORCA LIFT card or a Subsidized Annual Pass in-person at Community Transit's Ride Store located at Lynnwood City Center Station.
Weekly drop-in enrollment times:
- Monday, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., ORCA LIFT only
- Tuesday, 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., ORCA LIFT & Subsidized Annual Pass
- Thursday, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., ORCA LIFT & Subsidized Annual Pass
To learn more about reduced fare eligibility, visit myORCA.com.
Youth riders
Youth aged 18 and younger ride transit free with a Youth ORCA Card.
Find the right ORCA fare for you
Find your best ORCA fare by visiting the myORCA web site to see available pass options and reduced fare programs.
|
Service |
Adult Aged 19 to 64 |
Youth Aged 18 and younger |
Reduced Fares ORCA LIFT, 65+, Disabled and Medicare |
Subsidized Annual Pass Riders enrolled in one of six state benefit programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Bus Includes local, express, and Swift bus rapid transit buses |
$2.50 / ride $90.00 Monthly Pass |
FREE |
$1.00 / ride $36.00 Monthly Pass |
FREE |
|
DART Paratransit For passengers with disabilities |
$2.50 / ride $90.00 Monthly Pass |
FREE |
$2.50 / ride $90.00 Monthly Pass |
FREE |
|
Zip Shuttle On-demand shared ride service |
$2.50 / ride $90.00 Monthly Pass |
FREE |
$1.00 / ride $36.00 Monthly Pass |
FREE |
Bus
Includes local, express, and Swift bus rapid transit buses
Rider Fare |
Monthly Pass |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Adult Aged 19 to 64 |
$2.50 |
$90.00 |
|
Youth Aged 18 and younger |
FREE |
FREE |
|
Reduced Fares ORCA LIFT, 65+, Disabled and Medicare |
$1.00 |
$36.00 |
|
Subsidized Annual Pass Riders enrolled in one of six state benefit programs |
FREE |
DART Paratransit
For passengers with disabilities
Rider Fare |
Monthly Pass |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Adult Aged 19 to 64 |
$2.50 |
$90.00 |
|
Youth Aged 18 and younger |
FREE |
FREE |
|
Reduced Fares ORCA LIFT, 65+, Disabled and Medicare |
$2.50 |
$90.00 |
|
Subsidized Annual Pass Riders enrolled in one of six state benefit programs |
FREE |
Zip Shuttle
On-demand shared ride service
Rider Fare |
Monthly Pass |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Adult Aged 19 to 64 |
$2.50 |
$90.00 |
|
Youth Aged 18 and younger |
FREE |
FREE |
|
Reduced Fares ORCA LIFT, 65+, Disabled and Medicare |
$1.00 |
$36.00 |
|
Subsidized Annual Pass Riders enrolled in one of six state benefit programs |
FREE |
Transfers
If you ride more than one bus or train on your trip, the ORCA card can help you save money. With ORCA, you can switch between buses or trains and still get credit for the fare you have paid. Your ORCA payment works for two hours after you first use your card. If a later part of your trip costs more, the ORCA reader will show the remaining amount owed and deduct it from your card.
Learn to ride transit
Community Transit’s free Travel Training program teaches people who may need extra help how to use transit confidently. Travel trainers will ride with you during your training, guiding you through the transit experience all the way to your destination. Learn more at communitytransit.org/traveltraining or by calling (425) 353-7433.