ORCA LIFT

An ORCA card that allows riders to pay a reduced bus fare because their household income is less than or equal to 200% the federal poverty level, established by the U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services. Community Transit and Everett Transit began honoring this fare July 1, 2019.

Community Transit reduced fare
For Community Transit bus service, the ORCA LIFT fare is $1.25 for all local bus riders (100- and 200-series routes within Snohomish County) and $2 for all commuter bus riders (400- and 800-series routes that travel to and from King County). Adults and youth pay the same reduced fare with an ORCA LIFT card, which is half the regular adult bus fare.

Everett Transit reduced fare
For Everett Transit service, the ORCA LIFT fare is $1.50 for local bus riders. Commuter Route 70 fares are the same as Community Transit’s local service, including its new reduced fare category.

People with a monthly household income of less than 200% of the federal poverty level qualify for an ORCA LIFT card. This chart shows eligible income levels as of January 15, 2020.

First ORCA LIFT cards are free and replacement cards are $3.

No, ORCA LIFT cards can only be obtained at designated enrollment locations.

When you receive your ORCA LIFT card, you will be given a secret question and will set up a password. You will need this information to load value onto your card or to get assistance from the RideStore or Customer Care.

Apply for services online at washingtonconnection.org or call 877-501-2233.

Eligibility interviews in Snohomish County are at specific DSHS offices that have been designated as verification agencies to determine if people are eligible for the ORCA LIFT program

No appointments are necessary. Interviews are from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and EBT window hours for card pick-up are listed in the table below.

• Apply for a new ORCA LIFT or an ORCA LIFT renewal card online at https://reducedfare.kingcounty.gov/orca-lift-main/, or call 1-800-756-5437 and apply over the phone. You can also download this PDF and apply by mail.
• In Snohomish County, individuals can apply for the ORCA LIFT card at four Washington Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) customer service offices: 

• To get an ORCA LIFT card through DSHS, you must meet DSHS application requirements, which include proof of Washington State residency, citizenship or alien status requirements, and federal program requirements. Applicants may be eligible for additional benefits.

• To see a list of all the enrollment locations, go here.

 

Apply for a new ORCA LIFT or an ORCA LIFT renewal card online at  https://reducedfare.kingcounty.gov/orca-lift-main/, or call 1-800-756-5437 and apply over the phone. You can also download this PDF and apply by mail.

Visit one of the four designated DSHS offices listed above to apply and receive an ORCA LIFT card. Or you may apply online if you are receiving benefits from the State of Washington, including food, medical, and/or cash benefits. A renewal card will be mailed to you if we are able to verify your benefits. Your online application will be processed in 7-10 business days. To complete the online application, visit https://reducedfare.kingcounty.gov/orca-lift-main/.

Apply for a new ORCA LIFT or an ORCA LIFT renewal card online at https://reducedfare.kingcounty.gov/orca-lift-main/, or call 1-800-756-5437 and apply over the phone. You can also download this PDF and apply by mail.

Please visit one of the four designated DSHS offices listed above from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. to apply for a card.

You will need to bring income and identity verification documents for an in-person review to determine eligibility.

An ORCA LIFT card can be replaced in person, at Community Transit’s Ride Store or Everett Transit’s Customer Service office, online, or over the phone. 

To find out more about replacing an ORCA LIFT card visit: https://www.communitytransit.org/fares/smartcard.

Please note there is a $3 charge for a replacement card.

Apply for a new ORCA LIFT or an ORCA LIFT renewal card online at  https://reducedfare.kingcounty.gov/orca-lift-main/, or call 1-800-756-5437 and apply over the phone. You can also download this PDF and apply by mail.

If you are not interested in or do not qualify for DSHS benefits, there are other locations where you can apply for an ORCA LIFT card.

In Snohomish County the two locations are:

• Alderwood DSHS Community Service Office (CSO) (Services provided by Within Reach)

  20311 52nd Ave W, Lynnwood, WA 98036
  (Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

• Smokey Point DSHS Community Service Office (CSO) (Services provided by Within Reach)
  3704 172nd St NE, Suite P, Arlington, WA 98223
  (Every 4th Thursday of the month, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.)

For other locations in the region, go here.

ORCA LIFT eligibility is good for two years.

When your card needs to be renewed, you can reapply online or at one of the designated ORCA LIFT enrollment locations.

The card is valid for a reduced fare on:

• Community Transit
• Everett Transit
• King County Metro
• Seattle Streetcar
• King County Water Taxi
• Kitsap Transit (bus, Foot Ferry and Fast Ferry)
• Sound Transit (Link, ST Express and Sounder)

ORCA LIFT cards are accepted on Pierce Transit and Washington State Ferries, but the rider will pay the adult fare.

ORCA LIFT is used in the same way that other ORCA cards are used.

To learn more about how to use an ORCA card visit: https://www.communitytransit.org/fares/smartcard.

No, the reduced fare is only available when using an ORCA LIFT card loaded with E-Purse or a month pass.

Once you have a card, you must load fare value or a monthly pass on it. Value can be loaded on the card in the same way as other ORCA cards – in person, at ticket vending machines, at select grocery stores, online, or over the phone.

To view a list of Snohomish County locations where you can load an ORCA card visit: https://www.communitytransit.org/ORCAOutlets.

No, ORCA LIFT cards must be loaded with value and tapped on an ORCA reader to pay fare.

No, ORCA LIFT is a program to use public transit bus services at a reduced fare.

No. ORCA LIFT is not accepted on DART, Vanpool services and is not available for ORCA business accounts.

If you already have a Regional Reduced Fare permit (RRFP), you should continue to use it. Your current fare is most likely a lower rate than you would get with the ORCA LIFT program.

For Community Transit customers, the ORCA LIFT and RRFP fares are the same.