ORCA Q & A
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What is ORCA?
King County Metro and other public transportation agencies in the region are converting to a new regional smartcard called ORCA - One Regional Card for All - that replaces current passes. Your ORCA card works like cash or a pass, automatically tracking the value of different fares and transfers so you don't have to.
How much does an ORCA Card cost?
ORCA cards cost $5.
Where can I use ORCA?
Use ORCA to pay for trips on:
- King County Metro buses
- King County Water Taxi
- Community Transit
- Everett Transit
- Kitsap Transit
- Pierce Transit
- Sound Transit
- Washington State Ferries walk-on passenger fare
ORCA makes public transportation in the four county region fast, easy and seamless.
Where can I purchase an ORCA Card?
Online
www.orcacard.com
Phone
1-888-988-6722
- ORCA Cards
- E-purse value
- Metro reduced fare stickers
- Monthly Access passes
- Regional and single agency passes
Retail outlets sell one or more of the above products. Check individual locations for product availablility.
- ORCA Cards
- E-purse value
- Regional and single agency passes
- single-trip or roundtrip train tickets
Mail Order
Mail-in Order Form
Mail to:
ORCA Regional Mail Center
201 S Jackson St
MS TR-0108
Seattle, WA 98104-3856
How do I use ORCA?
The ORCA card electronically holds your transit fare products. You can:
- Purchase a PugetPass, Washington State Ferry pass or Vanpool pass
When it's time to renew, simply load a new pass onto your ORCA card.
- Use the "E-Purse"
The E-Purse is an electronic purse that holds stored value and is used just like cash or tickets to pay your fare. You can set the card up to Autoload when the balance falls below a certain point.
- Tap your card to pay your fare
Place your ORCA card flat against the ORCA logo on the card reader.
When a valid ORCA card is tapped the ORCA card reader will either:
- Beep once and display a green light--your pass or fare is accepted.
- Beep twice and display a yellow light--the E-purse is low or the pass is about to expire or means value is being added from an online or phone transaction.
- Beep four times and display a red light--your card has insufficient funds or has an expired pass. An alternative fare payment will be required.
How can I purchase multiple passes for my employees or organization?
Employers or organizations purchasing multiple passes for your employees or organization, visit Employer Services for information.
Can I continue to order paper tickets?
You may also continue to order paper ticketbooks by visiting Metro's online Pass Sales site, calling 206-624-PASS (206-624-7277) or visiting Metro's Customer service offices.
However, beginning January 1, 2010 the use of paper transfers between Metro and other bus and rail systems was eliminated. Instead, transfers will be made electronically using ORCA cards. Paper transfers will continue to be valid when traveling between Metro buses.
How do transfers work with ORCA?
ORCA transfers are made electronically. If you use an ORCA card that is loaded with a bus pass or E-purse, you will get a two-hour transfer credit for the fare paid. Please note, credit does not apply for transfers to or from Washington State Ferries.
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