News / Published on Mar 5, 2024

Ask your boss for a bus pass

The perks of employer-provided ORCA cards
A woman riding the bus with a pleasant expression on her face.

There are three types of Puget Sound transit riders: those who pay cash for each trip, those who buy their own ORCA card, and those who get an ORCA card from their employer. Let’s dive into the world of employer-provided ORCA cards – your golden ticket to a commute filled with convenience, savings, and a whole lot of fun.

If you aren’t sure what an ORCA card is, take a minute and read our ORCA card 101 blog to get up to speed.

Now, imagine this: You stroll into the office, a steaming cup of coffee in hand, and guess what's waiting for you? An ORCA card, courtesy of your amazing employer. That ORCA card is not just for commuting to and from work, it is your magic pass to explore the region by bus, train, ferry, and even the Seattle Monorail.

ORCA Business programs offer flexibility for businesses, schools, or organizations, allowing them to pick the transit products that best fit their employee and business needs. There are many reasons why businesses should provide ORCA cards to their employees, and we’ll get into those in our next blog post on this subject. For now, let’s talk about some of the perks you will get from an employer-provided ORCA card, including:

  • Cost savings extravaganza: Say goodbye to those hefty transportation expenses! Your employer has got your back, ensuring your commute doesn't break the bank.
  •  Eco-friendly commute vibes: Green is the new black, and with an ORCA card in hand, you're part of the eco-conscious squad. Reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a greener planet by swapping out your drive for a trip on local transit.
  •  Freedom to explore: No more stressing about parking spots or navigating through traffic. Your ORCA card opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to explore the region hassle-free.
  •  Access to Link light rail: Link light rail is coming to Snohomish County this year, and your ORCA card will let you travel unhindered throughout the Puget Sound region with seamless transfers to and from light rail.
  • Group lunches: When you and your co-workers want to grab some lunch and spill the tea, you can use your employer-provided ORCA cards to jet off to a local eatery instead of cramming into that one guy’s messy Prius.

Now, let's talk about the secret sauce – how do you ask your employer to sign up for ORCA Business products? Start by telling them that it is an opportunity to go green and retain employees with awesome perks. And share the link above that provides a business case for this decision (bosses love that).

Trust us; your boss will thank you for bringing such a brilliant idea to the table!

In a world where commuting often feels like a chore, why not turn it into a daily joyride? With employer-provided ORCA cards, you're not just commuting; you're cruising through life with style and savings. So, go ahead – ask your boss for that magic bus pass and transform your daily commute into a commute wonderland! Your co-workers will thank you. Learn more on our website