Swift is a different kind of bus service that is designed to get you where you want to be swiftly. Swift bus rapid transit is the easy, convenient way to get around Snohomish County.
On Swift, you pay your fare at the station before you board to keep the bus moving quickly. You can pay for your ride with cash or a credit card. If you ride often, using an ORCA card makes it even easier to swiftly pay and board.
How much does it cost to ride Swift?
| Service | Adult Age 19–64 | Youth Age 18 and younger | ORCA LIFT and Reduced Fare Permit Seniors 65+/Disabled/Medicare |
| Swift Bus Rapid Transit | $2.50 | FREE | $1.25 |
Community Transit collects fares on all trips. Passengers are not authorized to ride without paying their full fare; if you choose to ride without paying your fare, you may be subject to a $124.00 fine (RCW 36.57A.230).
How do I pay my Swift fare?
There are two payment options when riding Swift: ORCA cards and cash.
Tap on with an ORCA card
We recommend paying with an ORCA card for a contact-free and easy option. Load the card with funds or a monthly pass. Save money — with ORCA, you pay only once when you transfer. Your initial fare payment is applied to any participating bus, train, or ferry that you board for up to two hours.
Get a ticket with cash or card
If you’re paying with cash or credit card, follow the directions on the ticket vending machine by pressing the green “Start” button. The machine accepts $1 and $5 bills but does not give change. Swift tickets can be used for transfers between Swift buses for up to 1 hour and 30 minutes. Swift tickets are not valid on other routes. If the ticket expires before you finish your trip, you’ll need to buy another ticket. Keep your ticket as proof of payment.
How do I transfer?
Paper transfers are not issued or accepted by Community Transit.
When transferring to another bus or to light rail from Swift, you can use an ORCA card or cash. Swift tickets can only be used on Swift buses.
ORCA card transfers
Using an ORCA card to pay can save you money for trips with multiple transfers. With ORCA, you can continue your trip on another bus or on light rail while getting credit for the fare you’ve already paid. ORCA transfers are valid for two hours after you first tap your card.
If one part of your trip has a higher fare than you have previously paid, the ORCA reader will display the remainder owed and deduct it from your ORCA card.
Swift ticket transfer
Transfers using Swift tickets are valid on Swift buses for up to 1 hour and 30 minutes after purchase. Swift tickets are only valid for transfer on Swift buses.
Cash
If you are paying with cash and transferring to a bus that is not a Swift bus, full fare payment is required each time you board a new bus. Please use exact change.
Do I show anyone my Swift ticket?
You don't need to show the bus driver your ticket, but please keep your ticket for proof of payment.
You may be asked to show proof of payment by a Transit Deputy or one of our Service Ambassadors. They routinely board Swift to randomly check that riders have paid their fares. You will recognize our Service Ambassadors in Community Transit uniforms. They are also happy to answer any questions you may have, so don't be shy!
