Public Transport

Basics on Public Transport

Public transportation in the Seattle area includes bus, rail, and water services.

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: www.myorca.com/

Resources

This website has instructions on how to get on a bus and open a card: www.seattle.gov/transportation/getting-around/transit
This app is helpful for navigating public transport: 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: 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).

To apply for reduced-fare Orca cards, go here: 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: 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